White River Junction, VT – Dianne (Dee) D. Copley, 70, died unexpectedly at her home on Monday evening, September 8, 2025. She was born on June 23, 1955, in Fostoria, OH to James R. and Jean Catherine (Hall) Copley. From her early life on the family estate, spiritual connections and helping others were at the core of her values. At the age of 16, she met her future husband, Todd Arbogast of Norwalk, OH, while they both attended a Lutheran youth group leadership convention. As is often what happens in life, they lost touch after her first marriage and divorce, but years later, after a chance encounter with Todd's brother, Dee and Todd reconnected in 1978 and married on May 3, 1980, at her family's home.

They moved to the Upper Valley in 1981, and have lived in White River Junction since 1983. Shortly after their move to the Upper Valley, they became involved in fostering unaccompanied minors from Cambodia and later fostered teenagers for Easter Seals Vermont. And in 1986 adopted their daughter Rachel Elizabeth, now married and lives in Springfield, VT with James Laplante.

Dee's work through the years involved patient advocacy, teaching life skills, management, administration, music production, and religious ministry. She became an ordained minister in 2001 and founded Revival Connections with a dedicated group of talented individuals, including her husband, Todd. She was part of the worship team, hosted weeks-long retreats and revivals, and produced events with Integrity Hosanna Music, Inc., Christian music singers, musicians, and songwriters. Each Monday evening, Revival Connections hosted a potluck dinner open to all. Most recently, she served as music minister on one of two worship teams at the Lake Church in Newport, NH, and privately ministered to women who have undergone trauma.

She adored traveling and getting to know local people and cultures on ministry trips all over the world. At home, she enjoyed gardening and cooking with her favorite garlic and heirloom tomatoes. Bringing together people in love brought her so much joy, and never was this truer than when she officiated the wedding of her daughter Rachel and her son-in-law James in 2013.

She is survived by her husband Todd Arbogast of White River Junction; daughter Rachel Arbogast and son-in-law James Laplante of Springfield, VT; sister Tighe Yovanoff and husband Kurt of Fort Collins, CO; foster sons Sarim Rom of Mississippi and Jason Gilmore of Canaan, NH; two longtime friends Trudy George of White River Junction and Cindy Miller of New Zealand, and Susie Devries of Gainesville, FL; other relatives, many important Faith connections, foster children, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Pamela Dunn.

A service of remembrance will be held at Lake Church, 314 Sunapee St., Newport, NH 03773. Date has not been set.

In Dee's memory, mail generous memorial donations to MARIATU'S HOPE, INC. (bringing safe drinking water to a school or community. Out of life comes life.)

PO BOX 2846

HAINES CITY, FL 33845

Donations may be made online here .