Athena Coppit

Middletown, RI - Athena Alexander Bobby Coppit, 82, of 8 Wilson Road, Middletown, RI, died Thursday, September 4, 2008 at St. Clare Home, Newport, RI. She was the wife of the late George Lee Coppit. Born in Newport, RI on February 4, 1926 in the Corne House to James E. and Elizabeth Kelly Alexander. Mrs. Coppit was a graduate of Rogers High School class of 1944 and a resident of Middletown, RI. Bobby had a blessed and full life in Newport. She was a volunteer for the USO during WWII and for many years an avid bowler with the Bowlerettes. She spent a number of years as a Cub Scout den mother for pack 24 and as a Brownie troop leader. She has also been an active member of the Trinity Church Parish for many years. Mrs. Coppit truly enjoyed many happy and fun filled years working with the public in Newport starting with the opening of the Creamery on Bellevue Avenue, where she had the pleasure of waiting on the very small Caroline Kennedy and John F. Kennedy Jr., followed by years of employment a the La Forge Restaurant also on Bellevue Avenue. She then worked in the Newport Hospital at the coffee shop where she met many great friends. Finally she spent the 20 of her remaining working years at the Newport Convention and Visitors Bureau where she always had a smile and a story for all the visitors who walked through the door. Bobby was often heard saying; I have no regrets... Ive had a wonderful life! She is survived by her daughter Janie F. Raffa and her son-in-law Salvatore Tore Raffa of Newport, RI as well as seven grandchildren; George Coppit III, Elizabeth Raffa, Catherine Coppit Minter, Kelly Coppit Schoot, Kimberly Raffa Pearce, William Coppit and Erin Raffa Ross and nine great grandchildren as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.She was the mother of the late George Lee Coppit, Jr., and the sister of the late Everett Alexander, Elizabeth Wagner, Helen Humes, Lillian Pete DeSantis and Harry Alexander. Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at 10 am in Trinity Church, Queen Anne Square, Newport. Burial will be in Trinity Cemetery in Portsmouth. Calling hours will be held on Monday, September 8, 2008 from 4-7 pm in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport. Donations in her memory may be made to Visiting Nurse Services of Newport and Bristol Counties, Hospice Care, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.