Ustina Copanas

Ustina Copanas, 69, of Syracuse passed away peacefully January 24 surrounded by her brothers Michael and Gus and Spaulding group home manager Debbie Stethers. Ustina had a brief stay at Crouse Hospital where she received the best professional care that any patient would want. Ustina was predeceased by her father Paul, sister-in-law Debbie, nephew Christopher, and by her beloved mother Athen, who Ustina would call daily and both of them would talk and sing together. She is survived by her brothers Michael and Gus(Ashley), their twin sons Michael and Gabriel, Gus's son Fr. Arsenios of Holy Archangels Monastery in Kendalia, Texas and several loving cousins. She is also survived by her fellow Spaulding group home residents Evelyn, Linda, John, Chris, Jamie and Chad.

Ustina was born in Syracuse, lived with her family, and attended McCarthy School. At age 10 she transitioned to Newark Developmental School, then to Syracuse Developmental, and finally to Spaulding group home where she was an original resident and was there over 40 years. Ustina had a distinctive gait caused by being born with a dislocated hip. For several months after her birth she would sleep with a small pillow strapped between her legs and around her hips to try to help rectify the situation. 

Ustina enjoyed going out to buy a magazine and either a Diet Pepsi or a Dr Pepper. She was all in on anything Mickey Mouse including clothing and other items. Birthdays were an important celebration in Ustina's life and she would ask people "When your birthday?" When someone responded she would tell them the day of the week that their next birthday would fall on, usually remembering that person's birthday in future years.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to current house manager Debbie Stethers and her excellent caring staff. That gratitude is also extended to all former staff and all others that assisted Ustina in her glorious life's journey.

In lieu of flowers donations would be greatly appreciated to either AccessCNY 1603 Court St Syracuse NY 13208 or to St Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church 325 Waring Rd Syracuse NY 13224. Calling hours will be Thursday January 30th from  4-7pm at Burns Garfield Funeral Home 3175 East Genesee St Syracuse NY. Funeral services will be Friday at 10:30am at St Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church. Internment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery where Ustina will be laid to rest next to her loving mother Athen.