Amy McMinn Cope, 37, a life-long resident of Paducah, after having spent the past two years bravely and confidently standing up to serious illness, passed quietly away November 30, 2012, which was she and Matt’s 17th wedding anniversary. She was lifted by her strong faith in Jesus Christ, and supported by her loving family. Amy joins her grandparents Bill and Kay Lansing in Heaven, along with her Uncle Jimmy. She is survived by her husband, Matt Cope, and three strong, smart and beautiful daughters — Morgan, Abby and Laken. Amy’s strength and courage were a testament to the strong family ties that surrounded her throughout her battle, including her mother Mary Lansing Hayes, and her husband Larry Hayes; her father George McMinn Jr, and his wife Sharon, and her surviving grandparents, George and Joanna McMinn. By her side every step of the way were her loving brothers George McMinn III and his wife Jennifer, Justin McMinn and his wife Kat; Shannon Black and her husband Jeff, Tiffany Hayes, Timothy Hayes, and Jason Cranor and his wife Becca and numerous loving and supportive aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews on both the McMinn and Lansing sides of her family. Along with her family, Amy was joined by over 1000 friends from around the country and around the world who supported her on a daily basis under the banner of “Amy’s Warriors.”

Amy was born in Paducah on December 12, 1974, and was a 1993 graduate of St. Mary High School, where she excelled in basketball. Her love of basketball remained with her throughout her life as she passionately followed her beloved Kentucky Wildcats. Amy loved to travel, particularly in the last few years, spending time with family and friends on or around the water in Mexico and Florida. She loved to watch the sunset on Captiva Island with her family from a favorite table at the Mucky Duck. She also was supported by her great co-workers and friends at Drs. Grogan & Howard general surgeons, and before that for 15 years with Heart Group. Through it all, Amy always put others ahead of herself. Amy celebrated life to the very end with grace and optimism, as she was a standard bearer and role model for anyone faced with the challenges of cancer or any serious illness. Her Facebook homepage carries the banner “But you are stronger, whispered determination, Get Up and Fight Like a Girl!” You did, Amy - and because of the inspiration you provided to so many others whose lives may be spared, you won.

A funeral Mass for Amy will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Thomas More Catholic Church with Rev. J. Patrick Reynolds officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with prayers beginning at 8 p.m.

Contributions may be made to any branch of the Paducah Bank, c/o Amy McMinn Cope Benefit Fund or American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Awareness.

You may leave a message of sympathy or light a memorial candle at www.milnerandorr.com.