Charlie Copeland

SCARBOROUGH and MAPLETON — Our brave boy, who was born July 21, 2009, had a head full of wild curls, eyes bluer than the ocean, and smile that would melt your heart, left us in the early morning light of March 9th.

Charlie battled MECP2 Duplication Syndrome for his whole life; every day was a challenge and a victory for him. The strength to push forward came from the love and compassion from a vast village of family, extended family, friends, classmates, teachers, therapists and health care professionals stretching from Scarborough to Mapleton. MECP2 robbed his ability of speech but with that quirky smile, a flash of those eyes, or him giving your hand a quick squeeze was louder than any spoken word.

Even though our time was yet so brief, it was the honor for the Copeland and Langille families to be Charlie’s Forever Family. He was loved by his biological parents, Colleen Collins and Derrick Purdy. They made the ultimate sacrifice by giving us the privilege to raise Charles to ensure his overwhelming health care needs were met as the MECP2 progressed.

Charlie is preceded in death by: Colleen, his biological mother; Priscilla Copeland Stewart, paternal grandmother; Carroll Langille Sr., maternal grandfather; Mary Lyons, maternal great grandmother; and Berniece Coty, maternal great aunt. We know that they have all welcomed him and are watching closely over him.

Charlie is survived by all who had the chance to know him in person and those from the MECP2 community, who provided love and support in the digital world. May the reversal treatment, that is so close, help these amazing families care for their children afflicted with this disease.

We would like to take this opportunity to personally say “Thank You” to everyone who has helped and allowed us over the years to care for Charlie, the way he demanded, Scarborough Fire and Ambulance Service, Scarborough Police Department, Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, Medical Partners Pediatric Specialty Care, Maine Medical Partners South Portland Pediatrics, Scarborough School Department Faculty, Staff and Students, Morrison Center, Pine Point Center, and Land Rover Scarborough; without your support we wouldn’t have been able to keep our “Boo” with us.

Those who would like to join us in remembering Charlie are invited to Hobbs Funeral Home, 671 U.S. Route One, Scarborough, Friday March 18, 10 a.m. to noon, for a time to reflect with the service starting at noon.

The Wentworth School Community, in partnership with the Scarborough School Family, will be having a Celebration of Life, Saturday, March 26, from 10 a.m. to noon. This event will be filled with happy memories and color for those who wish to remember the energy and life Charlie brought to every room he entered.

We welcome one and all to either event that will help you remember and reflect on the boy with the big blue eyes.

Rest easy Boo, we will take it from here!

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital or the Morrison Center.

Online Condolences may be expressed at www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.