Mary Alice Hopper
September 10, 1923 - September 18, 2019
Mary Alice Hopper, age 96, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully at Brookdale Hockessin on Wednesday, September 18, 2019.
Born in Newark, DE, September 10, 1923, to the late Guy E. and Josephine (Wallace) Hancock, Mary Alice dedicated her life to her family as a talented and loving homemaker. She earned a degree in home economics at the University of Delaware, and then applied those skills, first as a home economics teacher at Middletown High School and then as the mother of seven children—cooking, sewing, and making clothing, home furnishings, and costumes for many years.
Mary Alice enjoyed music, singing for years in church choirs as a member of several Presbyterian churches, most recently St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, and just playing the piano at home while her kids sang along. Frequently called on to volunteer, she was there, whether at schools for children’s class trips; at John G. Leach School for children with disabilities in New Castle; at the Newark Senior Center, where she helped with the annual flea market, monthly newsletter, and in the kitchen; and at other places as a need arose.
An avid Phillies fan, she was disappointed for many years, until they went all the way, winning the World Series in 1980.
In addition to her parents, Mary Alice was preceded in death by her loving husband, James Seth Hopper. She is survived by her children Jack, Gerry, Don, Tom, Janet, Jay, and Steve; 13 grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2019, at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 200 Marrows Road, Newark, DE 19713. A committal service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE 19701.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mary Alice’s memory to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at the address listed above; to Seasons Hospice Foundation (Attn: Jalisa Anderson), 220 Continental Drive, Suite 407, Newark, DE 19713; or to the charity of your choice.
Geoffrey Henry
On behalf of the residents and associates at Brookdale Hockessin, please accept our sincere sympathies on the passing of Mrs. Hopper. We considered it a privilege to care for her.
Geoffrey Henry, Executive Director
Wayne Dawson
Jack, I am sorry to learn of your Mother’s passing. I remember her from times when we were at your home. May God bless you and your family now and help you as you cherish her memory.
Nancy Mueller Keppel
So sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. I often saw her at St. Andrew’s when I visited my parents in Brookside. I loved seeing her smiling face and reminiscing about growing up with her children. Tom was the Drum Major at CHS when I was in the band. My Dad worked for duPont and they carpooled together. Many of the family were our paperboy or papergirl. I know that she is with our Heavenly Father and is rejoicing in Heaven’s splendor. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jack and Linda Heath
So very sorry for your loss. Keeping the family in our prayers.
Winnie Wagner
Mary Alice was a wonderful woman who gave of herself to others. I will miss her. My thoughts and prayers with the family during this time of grieving. Mary Alice is home with her Lord.
Winnie Wagner
Peggy Phillis Dillner
I met Mary Alice when I first moved to Delaware as a fresh-out-of-college teacher. I volunteered to sing in the 1st Presbyterian choir on Main Street where she befreinded me. Such a kind, compassionate individual, she “volunteered” a couple of her sons to help me move from one apartment to another in the summer of ’65. Sorry about that, fellas! We lost touch after we both moved to different congregations, but I have always remembered her as one of the loveliest Delawareans I first got to know. She certainly lived a good life. Loving thoughts to the family.
Sally Barnes Miller
Jack I am so sorry for your loss. She sounds like a wonder Mother who dearly loved her family.
Mary Jo Penna and Carl Cook
We enjoyed getting to know Mary Alice over the years and enjoyed her sense of humor and stories about raising the Hoppers (especially Tom and Jack). Carl and I send our love and prayers to you all.
Carolee
She was great land and neighbor. Sorry for loss
Marty and Liz Perkins
Our hearts are broken by the news of Mary Alice’s passing. We could not have chosen better neighbors that became cherished friends over almost 40 years. Our block parties were always so much fun and our admiration and amazement at how easily you raised 7 kids while we struggled with two was always present. Our sincere sympathy and love goes to Jack, Gerry, Don, Tom, Janet, Jay, grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as all that the pleasure of knowing her. We will miss her.
JoAnne Lank
My condolences to the Hopper family. Your Mother sure sounds like you all were blessed with her for her lifetime with you. God rest her soul.
Susan Serock
Sending our Love to the Hopper family, as you gather to celebrate your Mom, Grandmom and Great Grandmom. She would be so proud to see her family and amazing legacy come together, to share your love and memories of her. I’m sure there are just a few stories about raising the Hopper Clan that will be shared. Thinking of you all with love, Susan, Stephen, Lynne and Patricia ( The Schoonmaker Cousins)
Bruce & Sandy Fine
We were so honored to be asked to participate in the service for Mary Alice. Such a wonderful lady and friend.
Debbie Mcvey streets
My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Anne Policastro Dilks
Jack, your Mother had a wonderful life. Glad you were able to be live with your Mom for awhile. God bless your family as you reminisce about the Hooper family.
Betsy Hancock Stewart
You were truly loved Aunt Mary Alice and I will miss you. My love and prayers to all my cousins and their families.
Tammy Petersen
Jack, so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. We miss you and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Grab Bub and come visit when you are up to it. Tammy and Pete
Nicole Lembke
My deepest sympathies to the family of Mary Alice Hopper. We will all feel this loss. I know she is in heaven, keeping an eye on all of us. My prayers are with you.
Nikki Hancock Lembke