Arlene Cope Salaverria

Arlene Cope Salaverria passed peacefully in Charlotte, North Carolina on August 30, 2026, at the age of 76. She was born on September 16, 1949, in Ithaca, New York to James and Laverne Cope. 

She is preceded by her parents, and sisters Geraldine Cope Smethurst, Sharlene Cope and Darlene Cope. She is survived by her devoted husband Jose Miguel Salaverria, daughter LeeAna Salaverria Valkovschi, son Jose Marcos Salaverria, sister Roxene Cope Turner, son-in-law Robert Valkovschi, daughter-in-law Whitney Torrence Salaverria, and her two beloved granddaughters Tess Valkovschi and Bella Valkovschi.

Arlene married the love of her life, Jose Miguel Salaverria on September 5, 1970. They were married 56 years, never leaving one another's side through many wonderful life adventures including having two children. They approached everything together, navigated trials with pure determination, and celebrated countless joys for which her family is most grateful.

Arlene enjoyed many things in life; first and foremost, spending time with her family - especially her sisters (aka RAGS), volunteering for her children's schools, church and other causes, lifelong learning and traveling, reading anything from fiction to biographies to magazines of all kinds, shopping (anytime, anywhere!), getting creative doing all types of arts and crafts, and so much more.

She carried an extraordinary capacity for love, giving it freely and receiving it from so many in return. She came from a generation grounded in responsibility, integrity, faith, kindness, and putting family first - values she lived by and quietly instilled in those around her. Her greatest gift though was the way she made people feel seen and valued. She had a way of making each person believe they mattered, because in her heart, they genuinely did.

Arlene was truly special as a daughter, sister, wife, mom, grandmother, and friend - and she's now taken her place as an angel. Her loved ones will miss her terribly but will always remember how she made them feel and keep her in their hearts.

The funeral services will be held on Monday, September 7th at 10am at Grace Episcopal Church (754 Bremo Bluff Road, Bremo Bluff, Virginia 23022). A remembrance brunch will immediately follow onsite at the Parish House to allow time to visit with the family and share memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please consider a donation to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation: https://www.helpfightra.org