Emily Rachel

Kopans

Emily Rachel Kopans passed away peacefully on November 4, 2026, in Portland, Maine. Emily was born in Chicago, IL on January 24, 1944, to David E. Kopans, M.D. and Edith G. Kopans.

She grew up in and attended public schools in Newton, MA, graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, with a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s in Education from the University of Maine, Orono.

Her professional career was as a guidance counselor, where she positively influenced the lives of many young students at Deering High School, Messalonskee High School, and Waterville Junior and Senior High Schools, all in Maine and where she lived her entire adult life.

For all who knew her, her love of her beloved dogs Maggie, Chelsea, Samantha and Bubba knew no bounds. She was a passionate lover of dogs and all animals. Her friendships were deep and long and will be positively remembered by many. She loved gardening, writing and reading. She abhorred prejudice of all kinds.

She was predeceased by her parents and two brothers. She is survived by her special friend Keith Hamilton of Florida, and brother Daniel B. Kopans, M.D. and his spouse Barbara of Waban, MA, and sister Elizabeth K. Frantz, Attorney, and her spouse Jon Steffensen, Attorney, also of Waban, MA.

Services will be private.

To share memories of Emily or to leave the family an online condolence, please visit www.athutchins.com