Mary Koppler age, 70 passed away June 16th, 2015 in Springfield, MO

Mary was born September 1st, 1944 in , Williamsburg, Virginia Mary Koppler was a warm, loving, vivacious, compassionate, intelligent woman. She was courageous, adventuresome and had great leadership skills. By the age of 14 she was managing one of her family's skating rinks. She was a talented skater and considered professional skating but eventually decided to pursue a career in nursing.

In nurse's training at Burge Protestant Hospital in Springfield (now Cox College), Mary quickly became a leader, encourager and motivator of her fellow nursing students. After graduation she became a surgery nurse, later a nursing supervisor, then still later found her true passion in Quality Improvement. Mary's success in that field was a great satisfaction to her. She was the first team leader to win the Missouri Quality Award for Coxhealth. She became known as "queen of quality" because of her passion for it and her skills at improving the quality of health care.

Mary and Dwane met when she was a student nurse and he was a pharmacy technician. They married about a year after she graduated from nursing school. They had many happy times together as they worked at various parttime businesses in addition to their regular jobs, learned new skills and traveled widely. Mary and Dwane were each accomplished pilots and traveled to every state but Hawaii in their own plane, plus several Provinces of Canada.

Mary's bright smile would light up any room she walked into. She was a true leader and a trusted, loyal friend. She helped found the Executive Women's Club of Springfield in 1980 and helped it grow to what it is today. One of her specialties in the EWC for many years was to grill steaks on Friday night at their semi-annual retreats.

Mary's seemingly boundless energy and talents helped her succeed at virtually everything she did. She was a "people magnet", making friends wherever she went.

Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and in the next 6 years put up a valiant fight against the disease, going through radiation, two chemotherapy courses and numerous other medical events. A beloved friend, Melita, convinced her to start running and she ran her first half-marathon just a year after her mastectomy and lymphectomy. Melita and Mary ran many times together, encouraging each other in their efforts. In addition to running numerous 5k’s and more half marathons, Mary also supported the running community many times by volunteering at events.

Eventually the disease metastasized and she lost her courageous battle to the disease on June 16, 2015. Mary's radiant, loving presence will be missed by all who knew her. During her last days she received many, many messages and gestures of love from friends.

Mary is survived by her husband, Dwane Koppler, her mother, Lillian Baumgartner, one brother, Michael Baumgartner and by a host of cousins and nephews

A celebration of life service will be at 6:00 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2015 in Unity Church, 2214 E. Seminole, Springfield, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, please send a memorial donation in honor of Mary to Unity of Springfield, 2214 E. Seminole, Springfield, MO 65804. She loved and attended this church for over 40 years.

Permanent online condolences, photos and stories may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.