Obituary of Loretta M. Hopkins

Loretta Manley Hopkins passed peacefully through the gates of heaven on June 8th, 2024, held and surrounded by the love and comfort of her family. She left behind an incredible legacy of love and light for which her family is forever grateful.

Born to Charles and Helen Manley on August 28th, 1934, Loretta grew up in Penn Yan, NY. She graduated from Penn Yan Academy and in 1952, she married the love of her life, Fred Hopkins (Hoppy), who predeceased her in 2020. Fred fondly referred to her as "Rette". Together, they owned and operated Hopkins' Market, The Blue Eagle, The Stone Mill Apartments, and The Valley Inn Restaurant.

Despite the demands of running businesses and raising a large family, Loretta was deeply devoted to her community. She served as the first Director of the Yates County Rape Crisis Service (now Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes), was a Yates County Legislator, Town of Jerusalem Supervisor, Deputy Commissioner of the Yates County Board of Elections and a long time member of the Jerusalem Town Council. She served on numerous advisory boards and was recognized often for her hard work and dedication championing social issues and making Yates County a better place for all. Her volunteer work included roles as a Cub Scout Leader, initiator of a women's basketball and softball league, religious education instructor, and gardening at the Oliver House Museum. She was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, Yates County History Center, and St. Michael's Church.

Loretta found her greatest joy in spending time with her family. Family gatherings at the Hopkins' home were known for their abundance of food, laughter, and spirited competitions. All were welcome to the Hopkins' table and there were always guests at every occasion. A talented artist, Loretta's home was always beautifully decorated for holidays, with many of the decorations handcrafted and painted by Loretta herself. Her love for gardening led to her creating enchanting outdoor spaces, and her skillfully arranged bouquets brought delight to her home all summer long. Loretta was rarely idle and constantly sought creative outlets and shared her beautiful creations with friends and family.

An avid lover of games, Loretta was a formidable opponent in Euchre and Scrabble. She cherished her regular Tuesday night Pinochle games with her friends and her weekly euchre games at the Moose Club. A passionate reader, she was rarely without a book or her iPad, always eager to learn and was knowledgeable on so many topics, she modeled the wonder of knowing for her children and grandchildren. Loretta was deeply interested in her family history and spent a great deal of time researching her roots. She was proud of her Irish heritage and loved to share stories of her family.

Loretta was a loyal supporter of the Penn Yan Mustangs throughout her life, seldom missing a lacrosse or football game, even after her children and grandchildren were no longer playing. She and Fred took immense pride in their alma mater.

Loretta is survived by and will be deeply missed by her five children: Lynne (Brian) Angell, Mark (Maura) Hopkins, Brent (Margot) Hopkins, Timothy Hopkins, and Laurie (Bill) Halbert. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Paul (Carrie) Hopkins, Kellie (Vincent) Johnson, Trystan (Charles) Moss, Meghan Hopkins, Brady Halbert, Kala Halbert, Frederick Angell, Martine Angell, Kylie (Drew) Dawson, Chris Hopkins, Tucker (Candace) Hopkins, and Gabe Hopkins, as well as nine great-grandchildren. Loretta was predeceased by two grandchildren, Amber Hopkins and Ryan Halbert.

As the cherished matriarch of our family, and the person who taught us to love each other unconditionally, her absence leaves a profound void in our hearts, but her legacy of love, strength of character, fighting spirit and charitable nature will continue to live on through us all.

It is with a grateful heart that our family wants to recognize Debbie Flood, Alice Hunt and the Care First Team of Steuben County for their friendship, kindness, love and support while mom struggled with her illness. You brought joy and purpose to mom's life and we appreciate it more than you know.

A funeral mass will be held on July 20th, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Michael's Church in Penn Yan. A luncheon celebration of Loretta's life with time for sharing will follow at The Valley Inn Restaurant in Guyanoga immediately following the mass.

Memorial contributions can be made to The Yates County History Center at 107 Chapel Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527.