Death Announced of Eugenie Tyler Copp of Old Lyme, Whose Life Spanned a Century of Change

Eugenie Tyler Copp (September 4, 1926 – July 21, 2026) died peacefully in her Old Lyme home of more than 70 years, in the company of family and devoted caregivers. Her life spanned ten decades of change. Born in the 1920s, she knew the hardships of the Great Depression and World War II, and marvelled at unimaginable discoveries in science and technology.

Genie was an adventurous, capable, and generous woman of many talents. Always curious, intelligent, and informed, she married Belton, with whom she was never bored! During her long life, she became accomplished in many things, including gardening, riding horseback, shooting guns, catching and preparing fish, campfire cooking, pottery, tending the sick (both human and animal), playing the piano, and even flying an airplane! Whether feeding a fire crew in the wilderness or hosting fancy dinners, she did everything with a calm grace and practicality that never wavered.

Genie was compassionate, a great listener, endlessly patient, and had a great sense of humor. She was humble, helping where she saw a need, quietly, competently, and without fanfare. Well remembered as the most loving and wonderful mother to her children and to many others, she always managed to create an extra place at the table with food enough to go around. She was a passionate supporter of women’s rights, attending rallies and protests throughout her life.

Genie is survived by her four children and their partners, her nine grandchildren, her eight great-grandchildren, her dear sister and brother-in-law Anne and Guido Calabresi, her sister-in-law Mary Tyler, and many, many friends and relations. She is predeceased by her beloved husband of 63 years, Belton Allyn Copp IV, and her brother Victor Morris Tyler. She will be interred at the Starr Burying Ground in Groton beside her husband.

A celebration of her life will be held Sept. 4, and a remote option will be available. Please contact the family for details. In lieu of flowers, please send or leave a written remembrance.

Donations in her name may be made to Planned Parenthood or an organization supporting women’s rights in your area.