VIRGINIA MARCELLA HOPKINS (1918 – 2012)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Virginia Marcella Hopkins on Monday, November 12, 2012 in Medicine Hat, at the age of 94 years.

Virginia was predeceased by her beloved husband of 63 years, Russell Hopkins. Her memory will continued to be cherished by her loving family: daughter, Janet (Frank) McCallum of Halifax, Nova Scotia; son, Gregory (Monica) Hopkins of Medicine Hat; her precious grandchildren, Mark (Louise) McCallum of Singapore, Bradley (Kim) McCallum of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Kimberly (Mathew) McKenzie of Lethbridge, Carla (Tyler) Heiland of Hanna and Josh (Rebecca) Hopkins of Medicine Hat; her great grandchildren, Francesca and Enzo McCallum of Singapore; Johanna and Benjamin McCallum of Halifax; Walter Heiland of Hanna; Oliver Hopkins of Medicine Hat; and one brother-in-law, Frank (Charlene) Moravec. Virginia was born on September 9, 1918 in Robsart, Saskatchewan, the eldest of three daughters (predeceased by Dorothy and Audrey); the girls were born into the family of Dewey and Ethel (Moir) France who were among two of the founding families of our pioneer west. As a young woman, Virginia loved her profession in office management as a stenographer/bookkeeper at the Dominion Range Experimental Station in Manyberries. She worked there for many years before moving to Medicine Hat where she continued her career. It was during WWII that she met and married the love of her life, Russell Hopkins (RAF) and they moved to England. After the war the couple returned and constantly moved to many distant horizons throughout Canada. However, Virginia’s heart always called her back home to the west, so this is where the happy couple retired. Virginia was a dedicated and loving wife, a caring and devoted mother, an adoring grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be remembered for the immeasurable and unconditional love she always showed to each of her family members, and the depth and beauty found in her Christian walk. We wish to thank the staff of Leisure Way Group Home for the warmth and care shown to our mother over the past 2 ? years. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Friday, November 16, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Shane P. Andrus officiating. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Leisure Way Group Home, Box 1267, Medicine Hat, T1A 7M9. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Virginia Hopkins, or you may visit www. gonebutnotforgotten.ca and leave a message of condolence. Funeral Arrangements are by the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 4C2