Esther D. Hopkins

Hopkins, Esther D. (nee Peters) 95, passed away peacefully at home on January 19, 2021. Beloved wife of the late William John Sr. and loving mother to William John Jr., Susan (Carl) Rodzewich, Dianne (Craig) Failing, devoted Grammy of 8 grandchildren and one great-grandchild expected soon, dear sister of Harold (Helen) Peters, and preceded in death by brothers Woodrow, Roy, Herbert, and sisters Ethel, Viola, and Margaret, all born to Byron Scott and Florence (nee Markle) Peters in Kingston, PA.

As a young graduate of Kingston High School, Esther traveled to Philadelphia to live with her sister Ethel to work for Signal Corps as a secretary and receptionist during WWII. During this time, Esther attended a dance at Harvey’s Lake, PA, where she met her future husband of 54 years. Their love of dancing continued throughout their marriage. They could often be found doing the polka at the TK Club in Conshohocken, PA or perhaps slow-dancing together in a restaurant in which they were dining, whether or not a dance floor existed. She loved her ice cream at night or a bowl of fruit and was rarely seen without her lipstick, Persian Melon 585.

Esther was a dedicated and caring full-time mother of her three children, providing warmth, unconditional love, and a never-ceasing pleasant demeanor. Her gentle and loving nature was evident, whether it was an endearing hug, a missing button to be sewn, volunteering at the school library, or a nightly well-balanced meal representing all food groups. Her excellent cooking and baking skills were appreciated by family and friends. She was also a faithful and loving companion to her husband Bill, even agreeing to go fishing on their honeymoon. Bill and Esther spent countless weekends foraging for wild mushrooms and berries in the woods and fishing. Their children agree that they have more pictures of fish, mushrooms, and berries than any others. Their family especially enjoyed spending vacations in Sweet Valley, PA in a little cottage beside a pond, enjoying the simple pleasures of swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and good home-cooking.

Later in life, Esther joined the workforce again for ICC (International Computaprint Corporation) for 18 years where she made many friendships with her “lunch bunch’’ as a dedicated proofreader and editor of dictionaries, phone books, patents, and the like. Thankfully, she used her spelling and proofreading skills to assist her children in their school work.

Relatives and friends are invited to Esther’s viewing on Saturday January 23, 2021, from 9:30am to 11am, Saint Genevieve’s Catholic Church, Flourtown, PA 19031. Her Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11am and will also be live streamed on the “Saint Genevieve Flourtown” YouTube Channel at 10:45am. Interment will be at George Washington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Esther’s name may be made to Saint Genevieve’s Parish, Saint Mary Roman Catholic Church, Schwenksville, PA 19473, or The Red Cross.