Bridgeville elects BETTY COPELAND
as its first female African-American mayor.
A
t age 83, Betty Copeland never thought she’d
become Bridgeville’s first female African-American
mayor. “I never expected anything like this in my
life,” she says. “Particularly at this time in my life.”
Copeland has been active in numerous
community organizations in the Bridgeville
area for more than 60 years. She defeated the one-term
incumbent mayor Pasquale DeBlasio by a vote of 523 to 491
in November, running on the slogan “Bridgeville Loves Betty,”
and spending about $600 on advertising.
Originally from Boston, Copeland moved to Bridgeville
after she married her husband Curtis in 1952. He grew up in
the borough and was serving in the Navy when he met Betty.
After his service, Curtis would become the local postmaster
in Bridgeville. Together, he and Betty earned a reputation for
community service over six decades. Curtis also served on the
borough council and was past president of the Rotary Club.
He passed away in 2016.
“We always felt the community had given so much to us
that we wanted to give back,” Copeland explains.
While raising three children, Copeland made time to
participate in many community organizations, including the
Bridgeville Historical Society and the Bridgeville Library. She
also supervised the Christmas gift program at Mayview State
Hospital and ensured that all 3,500 patients received three
wrapped presents. Copeland attends First Baptist Church
where she is a deaconess and served as choir director.
“I had the pleasure of working with some of the finest
people in our community,” Copeland recalls. “Everyone in
this community is very caring.”
Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh is
one of the most rewarding programs she has been involved
with, even hosting participants at her home during the
holidays. Copeland stayed in touch with one woman from the
Virgin Islands who is now married and has her own family.
“They still come to visit,” she adds.
Despite her reputation for community service,
Copeland was surprised when the local Democratic
committee asked her to run for mayor. After praying about
it, Copeland decided to accept the nomination. However,
she was skeptical that she could defeat DeBlasio.
“I didn’t think anyone would vote for a woman over a
man,” Copeland says. “I am thankful they saw something
that was worthwhile.”
She felt humbled when she won and is grateful for the
opportunity to serve. Copeland wants to create a strong
legacy as Bridgeville’s first female African-American
mayor, and will focus on encouraging others to give back
to the community and volunteer.
“I want people to remember what I tried to do for the
community,” she says.
“EVERYONE in this
community is very caring.”
Copeland was sworn in as mayor in January and has
attended several government meetings and a ribbon-
cutting ceremony for a new local business. She won’t vote
on legislative matters unless there’s a deadlock on the
borough council that she would need to break. As for the
borough staff, Copeland praises the borough manager, fire
chief, police chief and public works director.
“Bridgeville government runs very smoothly,” she says.
Outside her duties as mayor, Copeland remains active
in the church and also enjoys cross-stitching, currently
embroidering a quilt for her first great-grandchild. She
enjoys traveling and visiting her children in Maryland
and Virginia. ■
CHARTIERS VALLEY ❘
SPRING 2018
15