Joanne Murray Hopkins
April 16, 1937 - August 24, 2018
Joanne Murray Hopkins, age 81, long time resident of New Castle and Hares Corner, currently living in South Bethany Beach, passed away on Friday, August 24, 2018, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Wilmington, DE on April 16, 1937, she was a daughter of the late Nelson L. and Ruth (Stevenson) Murray. Joanne married her high school sweetheart, the late John W. Hopkins and dedicated her life to her family as a housewife and talented homemaker. She retired after 15 years of food service from the Colonial School District.
She enjoyed traveling across country and countless trips to Disney World with her children and grandchildren. Joanne was a proud grandmother and attended all sporting events for all of her grandchildren. She enjoyed decorating for all holidays. She was passionate about fishing and being at the beach with her husband. They fished on the Marathon Lady in Marathon, FL, on the back bays of Ocean City, MD, and recently on the Tortuga. The life of the party, Joanne loved to dance and recently became the designated driver for her grandchildren during the summer months from the beach house to Dewey Beach. She was a member of the Wilmington Manor Lions Club and the New Castle Presbyterian Church.
In addition to her parents, Joanne was preceded in death by her husband, John W. Hopkins. She is survived by her children, William John Hopkins (Susan), Nelson James Hopkins (Cheryl), Mark Hopkins (Karen) and Matthew Hopkins (Kathryn); sisters, Carol O’Neill (Mike) and RuthAnn Hein (Bill); grandchildren, William (Brittney), Brian, Heather (Ross), Ben (Lauren), Nathan, Ryan and Sydney; great grandchildren, Hayley, Holden and Hunter.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 pm until 7 pm on Tuesday, August 28, 2018, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, l000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE. A funeral service will begin at 11 am on Wednesday, August 29, 2018, at New Castle Presbyterian Church, 25 East 2nd Street, New Castle, DE 19720. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joanne’s memory to the New Castle Presbyterian Church at the address listed above.
The Walters
Aunt Joanne and Uncle Bo were a formidable team and a perfect match. Heartfelt condolences to all she touched. I hope there’s a fishing boat and dance floor in heaven. That’s how I will picture my beloved Aunt, with a big smile and a twinkle in her eye.
sonia and robert latina
Joanne will not be forgotten. She made a big imprint on our marriage and our hearts. Bo and Joanne showed Bob and I what a good marriage looks like. We love her and will miss her dearly.
Ronald and Janet Strohl
We only met Joanne a handful of times because of her lifelong friends. She was a lovely woman and had a real zest for life. She will be greatly missed. R.I.P. Joanne. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
joe oneill
God Bless Joanne and the family. I always said that I want to be like Joanne when I grow up, Living life to the fullest!
Catherine Travers
Grew up on Cherry Street
New Castle
Sympathy to family and friends
Brenda Spoerl
To the Hopkins family I am so sorry for your loss I used to work with Joanne when she was working in food service. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers for strength at this time. Your mother was a great person she was always very helpful to me and she always took care of my son when he was at George Reed Middle School. She will surely be missed I like reading her places she went on Facebook.
Richard Farmer
To the Hopkins family, we were so saddened to learn of your Mom’s passing. Joanne was one of the most positive and energetic persons we have ever met and worked with. She brought her own special joy to the cafeteria at George Read each and every day. Her enthusiasm and pride were always so infectious. For all of the years that you all played sports at William Penn, she (and of course your Dad) were always there for you with such great support. We loved seeing all of her facebook posts over these last few years after we moved to GA. We always marveled at the joy which shone through every one of her photos.
We are with you in spirit and prayer. Take great pride in having a such a great and loving person in your lives. Celebrate her life with JOY!!
Dottie and Rich Farmer….Greensboro, GA
Viola Jones (Snake’s Wife)
To the Hopkins Family: I knew your mother from visiting Ruthann’s place at Massey’s Landing. She was a lovely person and we had many laughs together. So sorry for your loss.
Dave Bevis
From Cherry Street to Hares Corner to South Bethany, it has been an honor to have shared many of those travels and memories with you. You are so special! We all love you, will forever miss you and will never forget you and those times! Thank you, JoAnn, for being you.
Dave, Teresa, David, Tom and Betsy Bevis
Virginia
I’m so sorry to hear of Joanne’s passing. We rented the little apt next door to their house for several years. There were many fond memories playing with the kids Jimmy and Johnny (before Mathew was born). She taught me how to make grape jelly from the grapes in the backyard. God bless you all, she was a great lady….. Ginnie Wilson