Marie V. Hopkins of Helena, Montana passed peacefully into God’s presence on November 5, 2013. She was at home surrounded by family after a courageous battle with an extended illness.
Marie was born on December 21, 1951 to Ray and Marian Clark in Duluth, Minnesota. She was raised on a dairy farm near Saginaw, Minnesota. Marie was the oldest daughter of 7 children, having 4 brothers and 2 sisters. Marie graduated from Albrook High School in Saginaw. She moved to Duluth and trained as a licensed practical nurse. She then worked at St. Mary’s Hospital on the surgical floor 5-East where she met the intern, Dr. Richard Hopkins.
On June 9, 1972, Marie and Richard were married in Duluth. Marie then worked as a hospital nurse in Seattle, Washington and Cleveland, Ohio while Richard was receiving further medical training. Their son, Michael Hopkins, was born in Cleveland. The family then moved to Helena in December of 1975 where Karen Hopkins, their daughter, was then added to their family.
Marie had an amazing work ethic, a quality she highly admired in her father. She attended Carroll College for 8 years while renovating their westside home and raising a young family. Marie graduated from Carroll College with an accounting degree in May of 1989. Marie worked for her husband’s ophthalmology practice, Hope + Co, Helena Chamber of Commerce and most
recently at Cobblestone Clothing. She was a great asset in her husband’s practice and appreciated by former employers.
Marie has been a member of Life Covenant Church in Helena for the past 6 years. Her hope and love for God has grown during this time, finding comfort in God’s word. She attended women’s bible studies and enjoyed new friendships.
Marie was one of the founding members of Artbeats in Helena. She was also a member of PEO. Marie stated that it had been an honor to be a member of PEO Chapter AO Sisterhood in Helena. Marie served faithfully in both organizations.
Marie’s greatest achievements have been being an amazing mother and grandmother. Her love for her grandchildren and children was quite apparent. Her grandchildren were a ‘light” for her as she battled her illness. She was a gentle grandmother often reading to the grandchildren, making sweet treats to share or watching movies together as they relaxed on “Nana’s” bed.
Marie was more than an avid reader, storing unread books in her closet. Marie was admired for her needlepoint work. Before her illness, Marie enjoyed gardening, walks and hiking Mt. Helena with friends. Marie loved traveling, limited but not ended by her illness.
Survivors include her husband, Dr. Richard Hopkins, son, Michael Hopkins, granddaughter, Tabetha Hopkins, daughter Karen (Kenton) Rowe, grandson, Auston Rowe and granddaughter,
Andreanna Rowe. She is also survived by her mother, Marian Clark, brother, Allen (Lucy) Clark, brother Donn (Dory) Clark, sister Diane (Brad) Ward, brother Mike (Lou) Clark, brother Darrell (Marge) Clark and sister Jeanette Joyal. Other survivors include many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and loving friends.
A family and friends service will be 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at the Life Covenant Church, 800 N. Hoback, Helena. The memorial service will start at 11:00 a.m on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at the church with a reception following at the church. Please visit below to share a memory of Marie or to offer a condolence to the family.
Dicknand Lori Schultz says
Rich and Family,,We are so very sorry to read of Marie’s passing. There are no words to express how we feel for you and yours. The one thing that comes to mind is ,if you hold His hand, He holds it right back. We will keep the family in our prayers.
Steve and Jackie Sampson says
So sorry for your loss. Marie was such a delight, and will be missed dearly by all the folks whose lives she touched. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Michele and Robert Kalaveras says
Rich and family,
We know that losing your beloved wife, mother and grandmother is difficult. We hope that you will be comforted in knowing that Marie is at peace in Christ and that she lives on in all of you and all those she touched in her own tender and humble way. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. This world is a better place because of her kindness and gentleness. Our prayers and thoughts with you now and in the days to come.
Joe and Susan Steffens says
Rich and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Marie’s passing. I will always remember how positive and cheerful Marie was. She would always stop me as I was walking and spend time asking about my family. She was such a lovely woman and brought so much joy to all those she met. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family.
Bruce and Coco Bellin says
How futile to try to put our thoughts and emotions into words at this difficult time. We loved Marie. We watched her grow and blossom as the years progressed. Marie had such a gentle spirit and gentle heart. She will be missed by all.
Dorothy McCarter says
I was so saddened to learn of Marie’s passing. She was a special person, who was a ray of sunshine to everyone around her. Please accept my and my husband Mike’s deepest sympathy.
Marilyn/Mike Greely says
I Believe that friends are
Quiet Angels Who
Lift Us to our Feet
When our Wings
Have Trouble Remembering
How To Fly
Charles & Terry Errico says
Richard,
Our deepest sympathies are with you and your family. Such pain has no boundaries other than the solace offered by Faith. Marie’s deep Faith sustained her. We pray that this can carry you through this incredibly demanding chapter in life.