Susan Copeland MBE

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Susan Copeland, a much-loved Trustee, Regional Chair and County Organiser of the National Garden Scheme and a hugely influential member of the charity ever since she and her husband Doug first opened their Essex garden in 1996.

National Garden Scheme Chairman, Rupert Tyler says; “We are all devastated by the loss of Susan, a wonderful friend and colleague and an inspiring figure in the National Garden Scheme. Whether as a member of the Board of Trustees, as our East Region’s Chair, or as County Organiser of her beloved Essex, her impact and contributions were unrivalled and she will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and love go to her husband Doug, and to their daughters Emma and Sarah and their grandchildren.”

Susan was a National Garden Scheme Trustee and East Regional Chair for nine years 2014-23. After joining the Essex team in 2006 the next year she became County Organiser, a position she retained until August 2024. In January 2023 Susan was diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent treatment at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge where she also received support from the Maggie’s centre. In her final weeks Susan was cared for at home by district nurses and nurses from St Clare Hospice.

In 2023 Susan was awarded the MBE in The King’s Birthday Honours, for her service to the National Garden Scheme. After her investiture at Buckingham Palace by The King in October 2023 we published an appreciation which you can find here: Susan Copeland MBE

Susan Copeland MBE 25.5.1946 -12.2.2025