A bright, brilliant light has left this world far too soon, and everyone who knew Erica B. Copping is feeling that loss deeply.
In Loving Memory of Erica B. Copping (1990–2025)
With profound sorrow, the family shares that Erica B. (Lindsay) Copping passed away at the Moncton City Hospital in Moncton, New Brunswick, on November 25, 2025, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer. She faced her illness with a quiet strength that inspired those around her, even as her time was cut heartbreakingly short.
Erica was born in 1990 in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, to her loving parents, Danny and Lori Dempsey. From the very beginning, she brought warmth, energy, and determination into their lives. In time, she married the love of her life, Brad Copping, and together they welcomed their two cherished daughters, Arya and Lila, who became the very center of Erica’s world.
From a young age, Erica showed a strong work ethic and an eagerness to stand on her own two feet. At just 15, she began her first job at Lonicera Hall in St. Stephen, proudly earning enough to buy her own cell phone, a milestone that symbolized her growing independence. Later, while attending the University of New Brunswick (UNB), she worked as a waitress in fine dining restaurants in Fredericton, honing not just her customer service skills but also her confidence, professionalism, and grace under pressure.
Erica’s competitive spirit shone through in almost everything she did. She loved a good challenge, whether it was in sports, games, or friendly debates. A devoted New England Patriots fan, she embraced the Sunday afternoon banter that came with cheering for her team, often sparking lively, good-natured teasing among family and friends. She took special pride in outplaying the men in their fantasy football leagues, celebrating those wins with a smile that said she knew exactly how impressive that was. But here’s where it gets a little controversial: how many people secretly rooted against her team just to try to knock her off that fantasy football pedestal?
During her teenage years, Erica discovered a passion for pageants, and it became an important part of her life and personal growth. Pageantry allowed her to develop exceptional interview skills, stage presence, and self-confidence—abilities she carried powerfully into adulthood. Through these competitions, she formed meaningful friendships across Canada and the United States, building a network of connections that extended far beyond her hometown. She competed proudly at both the provincial and national levels, making her family beam with pride.
One of Erica’s most memorable achievements came in 2007, when she was crowned Miss Teen New Brunswick. That same year, she travelled to Mississauga, Ontario, to participate in the Miss Teen Canada pageant, where she earned the title of 2nd runner-up—a remarkable accomplishment that spoke to her poise, charisma, and hard work. Later, in 2013, she represented Canada as Miss Canada Collegiate on stage at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Imagine the courage it takes to stand on an international stage like that—something many dream about but few actually do. And this is the part most people miss: behind the crowns and titles were countless hours of practice, self-discipline, and the quiet resilience to handle both wins and losses with grace.
At the heart of Erica’s adult life was her relationship with her husband and best friend, Bradley (Brad) Copping. The pair met in 2009 and quickly became inseparable, building a bond grounded in love, friendship, and shared adventure. They were married in Oak Bay, New Brunswick, in 2016, surrounded by family and friends who had watched their relationship blossom. Over the years, they created an abundance of memories together, the kind couples look back on with gratitude—a life filled with laughter, shared dreams, and everyday moments that meant everything.
Erica and Brad loved to travel, cook together, and spend time outdoors, especially camping in their travel trailer. Home improvement projects and renovations became another joint passion, turning houses into warm, beautiful spaces that reflected their personalities. They cherished time spent with family and close friends, as well as quiet evenings cuddling with their beloved golden retriever, Jaba, who faithfully accompanied them through the seasons of their lives. For their honeymoon, they spent a month in Bali, embracing a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. They journeyed across Canada and the United States, exploring new places and cultures, and were already imagining future trips they would one day take with Arya and Lila by their side.
Eventually, Erica and Brad moved out West to Fort McMurray, Alberta, where Erica discovered a natural talent for interior decorating. She had a knack for choosing just the right colors, textures, and styles to transform a space into something warm, inviting, and visually stunning. She loved taking an idea—sometimes just a vague vision in someone’s mind—and bringing it to life, seeing a project through from concept to completion. There is something quietly powerful about that kind of creativity: turning empty rooms into places where families would laugh, grow, and create memories.
After welcoming her daughters and returning to New Brunswick, Erica once again demonstrated how versatile and multi-talented she truly was. She joined the sales team at Taylor Ford Lincoln in Moncton, stepping into a new industry with her usual enthusiasm and drive. In her very first year, her sales performance earned her the Atlantic Canada Rookie of the Year award—an achievement made even more special because it was a first for Taylor Ford. This milestone highlighted not just her talent, but her ability to connect with people, earn their trust, and deliver results.
Yet, above all of her accomplishments and adventures, Erica’s greatest joy and deepest passion was being a mother to Arya and Lila. She poured her heart into parenting, knowing that the small, everyday moments often mattered the most. She cherished bedtime snuggles, those quiet, tender minutes before sleep when the world slowed down and her girls felt safe in her arms. She delighted in the sound of their giggles as they played, the little milestones like teaching them how to comb their hair, and the simple routines that built their sense of security and love. These seemingly ordinary moments became extraordinary memories, leaving an imprint on her daughters that will last a lifetime.
A sentiment that captures her love beautifully is this: “I love you through and through, yesterday, today and tomorrow too!” To many, those words might sound like a simple phrase, but to her family, they express an unbreakable, enduring love that does not end, even when someone is no longer physically present.
Erica leaves behind a family who adored her and will carry her memory in their hearts forever. She is survived by her devoted husband, Bradley Copping; their daughters, Arya and Lila Copping; her parents, Danny and Lori Dempsey; her brother, Cody Dempsey; her grandmother, Janice Lindsay; and her grandparents, Cheryl and Jim Dempsey. She is also lovingly remembered by her brother- and sister-in-law, Luke and Lianna Copping; her mother-in-law, Katherine Arseneau; her father-in-law, Desmond Copping; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and her dear friend, Katie Curran. Each of them holds their own special memories of Erica—stories that will be shared, retold, and treasured for years to come.
She was predeceased by her grandfather, Charles (Buddy) Lindsay, and her grandmother, Judith Crosby. The family takes comfort in the thought that she is now reunited with them, embraced by the love of those who passed on before her.
Erica’s vibrant personality, genuine warmth, and passion for life left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She had a way of making people feel seen, valued, and welcomed, whether they were close friends or new acquaintances. Though her absence will be felt deeply and her loss is immeasurable, her legacy lives on through her daughters, her family, and the love she shared so generously. But here’s where it gets emotional and perhaps even a bit challenging to talk about: how do you measure a life like Erica’s—in awards and achievements, or in the love, laughter, and courage she inspired in others?
Visitation will take place at The S. O. Mehan & Son Funeral Home, 23 Main Street, St. Stephen, New Brunswick, where family will receive friends on Sunday, November 30, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This will be a meaningful opportunity for those who knew Erica to gather, share memories, and offer support to one another. The funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., as family and friends come together to honor and celebrate her life.
Interment will follow at the Scotch Ridge Cemetery in Scotch Ridge, New Brunswick, a peaceful resting place where loved ones can visit, reflect, and remember.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Erica are invited to offer a donation to the family. Contributions can be made at the funeral home or via the online fundraising link: https://gofund.me/895aa9351. This practical support will help the family during an unimaginably difficult time, and every gesture—big or small—is deeply appreciated. Messages of condolence may be shared with the family online at www.mehanfuneralhome.ca, allowing friends and relatives near and far to express their love and support.
And this is the part most people miss: an obituary is more than a notice of passing; it is a celebration of a life fully lived, even if that life feels far too short. Reading Erica’s story, what stands out most to you—her achievements, her adventurous spirit, or her role as a mother and partner? Do you believe a person’s legacy is defined more by what they accomplish publicly or by the quiet love they share in their everyday life? Feel free to share your thoughts, memories, or even disagreements—because talking about these questions is one of the ways we keep Erica’s spirit alive in our hearts.
