Juliana Simmons Kopec

Dr. Juliana Simmons Kopec, 85, of Columbia, MD, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, from complications due to heart failure.

Born on July 15, 1940, in Scottsburg, Indiana, she was the daughter of Altas and Marion Dooley Simmons.  She married Dr. John D. Kopec in 1970 but later divorced. She was a devoted mother to her four children—Jennifer (Bill) Steier, John Kopec, Michael (Courtnay) Kopec, and Dr. Matthew (Bo Kim) Kopec.  She is survived by two sisters, Dr. Kathleen (Tom) Jones of Windsor, CO, and Mary Ann (Jess) Etchison of Ogilville, IN; and one brother, James (Michele) Simmons of Rockwell, TX.  Juliana had eight grandchildren she adored as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one half-sister, Margret Marnitz, and two brothers, Michael and John. 

Education and Career

Juliana graduated from Oldenburg Academy in Oldenburg, IN (1960) and earned a scholarship to Marian University, where she distinguished herself by completing her bachelor’s degree in three years. At Indiana University Medical School, she was one of only eight women in a graduating class of 163 students in 1965— a pioneering achievement when women faced significant barriers to entering the profession. She completed her internship in radiology and began her residency in radiation oncology at St. Vincent’s Hospital (Indianapolis, IN), completing it at Jefferson Hospital (Philadelphia, PA).

Her career brought her medical expertise to diverse communities in Puerto Rico, Indianapolis, and Montana, before serving patients at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C., for 26 years. There she became chair of the Washington Radiation Oncology Group and was recognized with the prestigious Gold-Headed Cane award, which honors physicians for exceptional patient care, scientific excellence and integrity. As a breast cancer survivor, she connected with her patients and their families with deep empathy and understanding.

Years later, Marian University honored her by inviting her to deliver the commencement speech at graduation—a moment she treasured deeply and felt privileged to experience.

Faith and Community

Her charity did not stop at work. Her Catholic upbringing and her faith were her mainstay.  She was involved in many different activities at St. Louis Catholic Church (Clarksville, MD) over the years including the parish council, the annual Clarksville picnic, prayer group and Women’s Bible study. In retirement, she enjoyed playing the role of Dorcas in the traveling production of Women of the Bible. Juliana was actively involved with the ChristLife Organization and particularly enjoyed her time cooking and organizing dinners as part of the Discovering Christ course. This was natural for her as she loved cooking and sharing food with family and friends. 

Beyond the church, Juliana formed many life-long friendships with her neighbors through the years, and she was dedicated to giving back to her local community. For example, she served as the President of her Homeowners Association at Ellicott Hills, and when she moved into an assisted living facility (Brightview Columbia), she served as an ambassador for new residents, welcoming newcomers and easing their transition to their new home—a role she embraced with characteristic warmth and grace.

Passions and Personality

Juliana loved collecting artwork from her travels, cooking and reading.  She knitted, sewed, played mahjong and bingo, and was always eager to play a game of cards.

Juliana had a wonderful laugh and sense of humor, especially when she was with young children. Her entire face would light up as she sang to them and played games that made them laugh.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ChristLife: 7310 Esquire Court, #5B, Elkridge, MD 21075 (http://christlife.org ) or American Heart Association - Go Red for Women: 7272 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 75231 (http://goredforwomen.org)

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