Mary Rita Hopkins
August 28, 1928 ~ March 7, 2024 (age 95) 95 Years Old
Tribute
Mary R. Gilbo Hopkins, a woman of indomitable spirit and creativity, passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 95 in Naples, FL.
Mary was the daughter of John Luke Gilbo and Catherine Flynn Gilbo. She was born in Brooklyn, NY and grew up in Lowell, MA, with her three brothers, John, Joseph and Edmund.
Mary was a graduate of St Patrick’s High School, Vesper George Art School, Merrimack College and Fitchburg State College, where she earned dual Master’s degrees, Advanced Certificates, and her Ph.D. Mary never lost her love for education and studied at Rochester Institute, Harvard University, and everywhere she could make time to attend.
Mary enjoyed a long career as a graphic artist and an educator. At a young age, she started her own art studio. She was awarded an internship and studied with artist, Henry Hensche, in Provincetown, MA. She worked as a graphic artist for Addison Wesley, Mead Packaging and other publishers and design firms. She was the Head of the Art Department at the Greater Lawrence Regional Vocational Technical School in Andover, MA where she expanded and modernized the program.
Mary did retire (somewhat) in Sun City West, AZ and was a member of many clubs, including the Briarwood Country Club. She loved dancing and singing and was a member of the Rhythm Tappers and Sweet Adelines well into her late 80s. She was very proud of her golfing trophy for the most strokes and achieving a hole in one during her short golfing career.
Mary was married for 63 years to her beloved husband, Charles E. Hopkins, Jr., who predeceased her. She is survived by her five children, Charles III, Mary, John, Susan and Michael, and their spouses, Tom, Jean, and Vicky. Most importantly, she is survived by her seven gifted grandchildren, Kelly and her husband Steve, Caterina, Meredith, John Charles, Madison, Natalie and Luke, who brought her much joy and pride.
Mary was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother, whose kindness, creativity, love of life, design and fashion flair, along with her quick wit and humor will be greatly missed by all of us who loved her. Mary lived a great life and used all her many given talents. As she often stated, Mary and Charlie traveled well together in this life and cherished their family and friends, who made their life full and fun.
She loved her grandchildren’s art, cards and poems, included is just one that captured her true spirit.
Nana
Nana is the best of all,
She and I have a ball,
Her closet is filled with the latest fashion,
She organizes it with all her passion,
She loves to shop until we drop,
Ice cream is her favorite treat,
And this she taught me how to eat!
She likes to dance and tap her feet,
It's not hard for her to keep the beat,
She's the best grandmother that I know,
And when I stay, I never want to go!
Private services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to their favorite charity.
Mary was the daughter of John Luke Gilbo and Catherine Flynn Gilbo. She was born in Brooklyn, NY and grew up in Lowell, MA, with her three brothers, John, Joseph and Edmund.
Mary was a graduate of St Patrick’s High School, Vesper George Art School, Merrimack College and Fitchburg State College, where she earned dual Master’s degrees, Advanced Certificates, and her Ph.D. Mary never lost her love for education and studied at Rochester Institute, Harvard University, and everywhere she could make time to attend.
Mary enjoyed a long career as a graphic artist and an educator. At a young age, she started her own art studio. She was awarded an internship and studied with artist, Henry Hensche, in Provincetown, MA. She worked as a graphic artist for Addison Wesley, Mead Packaging and other publishers and design firms. She was the Head of the Art Department at the Greater Lawrence Regional Vocational Technical School in Andover, MA where she expanded and modernized the program.
Mary did retire (somewhat) in Sun City West, AZ and was a member of many clubs, including the Briarwood Country Club. She loved dancing and singing and was a member of the Rhythm Tappers and Sweet Adelines well into her late 80s. She was very proud of her golfing trophy for the most strokes and achieving a hole in one during her short golfing career.
Mary was married for 63 years to her beloved husband, Charles E. Hopkins, Jr., who predeceased her. She is survived by her five children, Charles III, Mary, John, Susan and Michael, and their spouses, Tom, Jean, and Vicky. Most importantly, she is survived by her seven gifted grandchildren, Kelly and her husband Steve, Caterina, Meredith, John Charles, Madison, Natalie and Luke, who brought her much joy and pride.
Mary was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother, whose kindness, creativity, love of life, design and fashion flair, along with her quick wit and humor will be greatly missed by all of us who loved her. Mary lived a great life and used all her many given talents. As she often stated, Mary and Charlie traveled well together in this life and cherished their family and friends, who made their life full and fun.
She loved her grandchildren’s art, cards and poems, included is just one that captured her true spirit.
Nana
Nana is the best of all,
She and I have a ball,
Her closet is filled with the latest fashion,
She organizes it with all her passion,
She loves to shop until we drop,
Ice cream is her favorite treat,
And this she taught me how to eat!
She likes to dance and tap her feet,
It's not hard for her to keep the beat,
She's the best grandmother that I know,
And when I stay, I never want to go!
Private services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to their favorite charity.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Rita Hopkins, please visit our floral store.
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