Mary Esther Hopkins

Hampton – Mary Esther Hopkins (“Esther”), 88, of Hampton, NH passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at her home surrounded by family. Esther was born in Lowell, MA on March 1, 1933, a daughter of the late William H. and Esther M. (Duplessis) Connor. She shared 60 years of marriage with her late husband, David L. Hopkins, Sr. who predeceased her in 2017. Esther grew up in Lowell, MA and lived in Grand Rapids, MI, Schenectady, NY, and Franklin, MA. Most recently, she lived in Parsippany, NJ for 22 years and then starting in 1991 resided in Hampton, NH. Esther graduated from the Academy of Notre Dame in Tyngsboro, MA in 1950 and Lowell State Teachers College in 1954. She taught first grade in Wilmington, MA before her marriage in 1957 and after her marriage worked as a substitute teacher for a short time in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She worked at the Beverwyck Nursing Home in Parsippany, and Colt News in Hampton. Esther volunteered throughout her life be it little league, at the voting polls, or through church. Esther was a member of St. Peter the Apostle Church in Parsippany, where she was a eucharistic minister and taught CCD for 20 years. She was a member of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish for 30 years in Hampton and was a member of the Ladies Sodality of the Church. Esther was beloved by all as she lived her life with grace and compassion. Her smile could light up a room. Esther’s patience knew no bounds as evidence by raising seven children who could test her frequently but for whom she had unconditional love. She enjoyed dancing with her husband, playing bridge with her friends, and hosting Thanksgiving dinner for all her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Esther knew how to stretch a dollar and could get that last bit of toothpaste out of the tube with the best of them. She had an easy laugh and quick wit – especially when you least expected it. Family members include seven children: Patricia A. Montana and her husband Robert of Hampton, NH; David L. Jr. (and the late Debby Hopkins) of Denville, NJ; William J. and his wife Sharon of Budd Lake, NJ; Michael G., D.D.S. and his wife Heather of Branchville, NJ; Thomas E. of Lafayette, NJ; Dr. Anne M. Hopkins Gross and her husband Glen of Niskayuna, NY; and Kimberly R. Hopkins and her husband Brian Betts of Hampton; her sister Phyllis Irvin and the late William Irvin of Windham, NH. She dearly loved and cherished her 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, David, Esther was predeceased by two sisters: Barbara Rene and her husband Frank of Lowell, MA and Helen Reynolds and her husband Jim of Shrewsbury, MA; and her grandson David L. Hopkins, III. Visiting hours will be held from 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM on Monday, October 11, 2021 at the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton. A mass of Christian burial will follow at Noon in Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, Hampton. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Burial will be in the High Street Cemetery, Hampton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to OLMM Church OutReach, 289 Lafayette Road, Hampton, NH 03842 or Rockingham VNA and Hospice by clicking here or by mail to 137 Epping Rd., Exeter, NH 03833.

Mary Esther Hopkins

March 1, 1933 - October 6, 2021