Suga (Taira) Coppola

Suga Coppola, age 87, formerly of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away with her family by her side at her daughter’s home in Osceola.  Suga was born August 8, 1933 in Aza Ishikawa City, Okinawa, Japan to the late Zeckichi and Haru Tiara.  On July 16, 1970, she married Leonard P. Coppola in Naha, Okinawa.  They recently celebrated their 50th anniversary.

Leonard survives, along with their daughter Cindy (Chris) Adams of Osceola, Indiana, and her step-children, Leonard P. (Nancy) Coppola Jr. of  Buna, Texas, Theresa (Bill) Mahan and Tina (Tim) Tiller, both of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  She is also survived by her sisters Sumi Iha and Sia Yamada, both of Ishiakawa, Okinawa. Also surviving are 8 grandchildren, including Nicholas Adams, whom Suga was extremely fond of, several great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her step-son Anthony Coppola in 1999 and 7 siblings.

There will be no formal services for Suga, but she will be laid to rest in Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis at a later time.

Suga was employed as a seamstress at a small boutique in Broad Ripple where she designed clothing. In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, crocheting and traveling the US with her family for bowling tournaments. 

Mrs. Coppola was very proud of her Okinawan heritage and she brought her love of her culture with her to the US in 1970. She was one of the founding members of the Indiana-Okinawa Kenjinkai, a not for profit cultural appreciation club.  As a member, she learned and taught traditional Okinawan folk dances to other members and they performed at functions throughout both the United States and abroad in Okinawa.  Serving as Vice President of the club for many years, she used her skills as a seamstress to design authentic kimonos for the dancers and members to wear while performing. In lieu of flowers, the Coppola family would like donations to be given in her memory to her club.

Her kindhearted nature and unique sense of humor will be greatly missed.  To light a virtual candle, share a memory, or leave a message of condolence for Suga’s family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above. 

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