Eugene Harrison Copeland
Eugene Harrison Copeland, 89, of Holmes Beach, died Jan. 3.
He was born June 5, 1934, in Hazelton, Missouri, to Louis and Margaret Copeland. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
He loved life and lived it to the fullest. An avid fisherman, he spent many hours on his boat, sharing his love for the water with friends and family.
He also was a talented musician and would entertain on his guitar, playing country and gospel songs. A favorite song was his rendition of “Marie Laveau” by Bobby Bare.
His wit and humor were well known and he had a talent for finding positive outcomes in every situation. His warm and welcoming nature made people feel at home and his fried grouper was enjoyed by many.
He also was an astute businessman who, alongside his brother, grew a successful construction business through hard work, grit and a never-give-up attitude. He passed on his strong work ethic and sense of humor to his son and grandchildren.
He was a member of Northwest Baptist Church in Bradenton, where he found solace and joy in his faith. He loved singing solos at church and with the choir.
His zest for life, humor and musical talent will forever be remembered.
A military funeral is tentatively set for Feb. 23, at Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota.
Mr. Copeland is survived by son Daniel; daughter-in-law Cathy, grandchildren Stephen, Milvionne, Jonathon Gavena, Jennifer,Kevin and Timothy; great-granddaughter Chloe; and longtime partner, Bobye Chasey.
Janet Kay Scott Gabler
Janet Kay Scott Gabler, of Cleveland, Tennessee, and formerly of Holmes Beach, died Dec. 28, 2023.
She was born July 5, 1936, in Jackson, Michigan, to Marion L. and Ira D. Scott.
She graduated Michigan State University with a degree in social work and enjoyed a career working in adoption placement.
She was known for her volunteer work and acts of service in her community. She always was willing to help others in need and lend a helping hand.
She enjoyed countless walks on the white sand beaches and swimming in the salt water.
A private celebration of life is planned. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or a charity of choice.
She is survived by daughter Brita and husband Kent Cumberton and two grandchildren, Kara and Kyle, in Tennessee; and daughter Jill and husband Paul Kountz Jr. in Greenville, South Carolina.
Sheila Mary Hatfield
Sheila Mary Hatfield, 78, died Dec. 14, 2023.
She was born May 14, 1945, in Liverpool, England, to James and Catherine Stanson.
She moved to Wisconsin in September 1987 before moving Bradenton in 2008.
She worked at the Two Scoops ice cream parlor in Anna Maria.
She was best known for her compassion for others, her amazing strength of character and great wit and humor.
Visitation and a service were held Jan. 8 at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, Bradenton. The family suggests memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Mrs. Hatfield is survived by her children, Paula, Julie and David; brothers John and Paul; sister Marie; grandchildren Eryn and Abbie; sister-in-law Barbara; brother-in-law Tom; and nephews and nieces.
Doreen M. Pastor
Doreen M. Pastor, 88, a 40-plus year resident of Holmes Beach, died Dec. 14, 2023, after a brief illness
She was born in Lincoln, Maine, to Lloyd and Frances Kneeland.
She attended Mattanawcook High School. She worked at Augusta State Hospital in Maine and later at the State of Maine Credit Bureau.
She moved to Anna Maria Island in 1977 to be a caregiver for a private family and decided to make it her home. She loved to bargain hunt at the Women’s Exchange and other shops, as well as neighborhood yard sales.
Dancing was a favorite pastime and it was through dance that she met her husband, William “Judge” Pastor, with whom she enjoyed 25 years of marriage before his death in 2022.
She loved cooking and hosting dinners and games. She especially enjoyed summers with her sister, her beloved nephe, Michael Moody, his wife and her treasured niece and her husband in New Gloucester, Maine.
She has been interred with her husband at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Sarasota. A celebration of her life will take place at a later date.
Mrs. Pastor is survived by her son, Lloyd W. Staples and his partner, David Broderick, of Boston; sister Kay Moody of Yarmouth, Maine; stepsisters Margaret Murray of Maine and Patricia Crockett Hicks of Massachusetts; stepson Robert Pastor of Florida and three grandchildren.