PLATTSBURGH — Nancy G. Hopkins passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 7th at her home in Mystic, Conn. with her daughter by her side. She was born April 10, 1931, in Plattsburgh, N.Y., the daughter of Blaine and Nellie (Parrott) Gonya.
She graduated from Plattsburgh High School in 1949 and Plattsburgh Normal School in 1953, then later received her Master's Degree in Elementary Education from the State University of N.Y. at Plattsburgh. She worked for over 30 years with the Peru School District as a third grade teacher and reading specialist. She retired in 1986 from a successful career of being an educator and a strong advocate of children's education to spend more time with her husband, Gilbert. During this time she also took on the loving task of caring for her grandchildren, Patrick and Kathleen, during the day. Later in her life, she became an active member of the Daughters of the American Resolution, eventually becoming Regent for several years. Nancy also volunteered at CVPH and the Methodist Food Bank.
She met her husband, Gilbert F. Hopkins in Plattsburgh, while he was attending college, after he returned from a tour of duty in the South Pacific. They were married on June 16, 1953 and raised their children near the lake on Hobbs Road. Nancy and Gilbert eventually moved back into the city of Plattsburgh after her retirement. In August, she moved to Mystic, Conn. to live with her daughter and be closer to family. She was happy spending time decorating her new home and getting to know the area. She enjoyed reading, doing puzzles, a good joke, spending time with her family and going to lunch with her dear friends. Nancy loved to travel and she especially cherished her many trips to Maine with her family.
She is survived by one son, Scott F. Hopkins and his wife Betsy of Londonderry, N.H.; and one daughter, Jill H. Collins and her longtime companion, Joseph Corron of Mystic, Conn.; she has seven grandchildren, Ryan Burgess and his wife Kelly of Manchester, N.H., Kelly Hopkins of Manchester, N.H., Patrick Collins of Plattsburgh, N.Y., Ashley Hopkins of Manchester, N.H., Christine Hopkins of Londonderry, N.H., Kathleen Collins of Mystic, Conn., Blaine Hopkins of Londonderry, N.H.; and two great-granddaughters, Kylie and Allyson Burgess of Manchester, N.H. She is also survived by her loving constant companion, her dog, Max.
Nancy is pre-deceased by one son, Mark; her husband, Gilbert; her parents; her brother, Harold; her sisters, Harriet and Catherine; and a brother-in-law, Bill.
Calling hours will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the R.W. Walker Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the Robert W. Walker Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Chazy.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or American Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be made to www.rwwalkerfh.com.
Arrangements are in the care of the R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court St. Plattsburgh, NY.
