Mary Louise Copeland Ransom of Pittsburgh passed over suddenly at Sewickley Heritage Valley Hospital on Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016, at the age of 90. She was born in Monessen, PA, on September 13, 1925, to Mary Jane Williamson Copeland and Daymond Wallace Copeland. Mary grew up in Charleroi, PA.  After graduating from Charleroi High School in 1943, she attended The New York School of Interior Design.  She also attended Goucher College to pursue a degree in elementary education. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.  Mary sang with the Goucher College Glee Club. In December of 1947, the glee clubs from Goucher and the United States Naval Academy joined forces for a performance of Handel’s “Messiah”. The dress rehearsal was followed by an afternoon tea. From across the room a young midshipman was instantly captivated when he spotted Mary who was pouring tea. His name was Charles Ransom. Six months later during June week at the Naval Academy, Charles asked Mary for her hand in marriage. They were married in Binghamton, NY, on December 10, 1949. From that moment on, Mary’s life was dedicated to her marriage and family. During the course of her marriage, Mary moved many times. She lived in South Carolina, Florida, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, California, West Virginia, and Maryland. Following wonderful retirement years in Naples, Florida, Mary returned to her home state of Pennsylvania to live closer to family. Mary loved beauty and was especially fond of gardening. She was pleased to win Garden Club awards for some of her floral arrangements. Wherever she lived, Mary joined a local church and participated in worship and other activities. She enjoyed being on the Worship Commission and the Altar Guild. Mary also loved ballroom dancing and was delighted to take lessons with her husband and join the Cotillion in Charles Town, WV. She was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution and the Charles Town Women's Club.  Most of all, she loved to be with her family. Mary felt very blessed to live long enough to see her first four great-grandchildren. She is survived by her children: Christine Ransom, Rebecca (Brian) Sheerin, Charles  (Wendy) Ransom, Cynthia Ransom, and Daymond (Michele) Ransom; her grandchildren: Erin Sheerin Woods (Brian), Mary Edwards-Ransom (Gina Evers), Anna Sheerin Rodgers (Ryan), Julianne Edwards-Ransom, Zachary Wiser, Kyle Ransom, Johanna Wiser, Rachel Ransom, C. William Ransom, and Jack Ransom: as well as her great grandchildren: Ellia and Nora Mae Woods, Shelby Rodgers, and F. Charles Evers. Also surviving are sisters, Julie Copeland and Margot Frontz, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Charles Ransom, a sister, Jean Copeland Jones, and her brother, William Copeland.  A memorial service is planned for Friday, May 20 at 4:00 pm at Northmont United Presbyterian Church, 8169 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh.  Memorial donations may be made to the Phipps Conservatory (phippsconservatory.org) and The National Aviary (aviary.org). Funeral arrangements are entrusted to R.D. Copeland Funeral Home, 702 Beaver Avenue, Sewickley, PA 15143. www.copelandfuneralhomes.com

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