Maureen Hopkins

Maureen L. Hopkins of Glen Rock, NJ and Sea Girt, NJ passed away on July 15 surrounded by her adoring three children and a couple of her grandchildren. Maureen was born on November 15, 1943 in New York City to Roger and Margaret Lee, and was the elder of two children. Maureen was raised in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. Maureen married her middle school sweetheart, Raymond William, where they built a remarkable life together for over 58 wonderful years prior to his passing on June 13, 2023. They lived for 50-years of their marriage in Glen Rock, NJ with many of their later years shared between their beach community residences in Sea Girt, NJ and Highland Beach, Fla. Maureen is survived by her children Raymond Michael (Marci) Hopkins of Wyckoff, NJ; Mary Beth (Steve Breckenridge) Hopkins of Milford, PA; and Kristen DiTrolio of Sea Girt, NJ. Maureen’s eight grandchildren are Matthew Hopkins, Grace Hopkins, Meghan Cece, Molly Cece, Patrick Cece, Ryan DiTrolio, Mia DiTrolio and Christopher DiTrolio.

Above all else, Maureen was devoted to her family. Maureen and Ray were a love story from yesteryear. They complemented one another beautifully. Ray the outsized personality that was quick with a joke and a loud laugh; Maureen with her quiet grace, gentle spirit and genuine kindness that made everyone feel so comfortable in her presence. Her love of her three children was only outdone as an adoring grandmother (Grandma) to eight grandchildren each of whom brought her immeasurable joy - albeit with a lot of worrying along the way! Maureen’s family was the center of her world, and she celebrated every milestone, holiday and simple moment together with sheer delight.

For more than 25-years, “Mrs. Hopkins” tirelessly dedicated herself to teaching at the elementary and middle school levels. Maureen taught all those years in Glen Rock with 18 of those years at St. Catharines (now our Academy of Our Lady) teaching 6th Grade. Teaching at a Catholic School mattered to Maureen. She believed that for someone to live their most fulfilling life that God needed to play a significant part. It is no wonder that her most favorite subject to teach was religion. She inspired generations of young students with patience, encouragement and genuine care. She wanted every student to get the most out of their unique skill sets. Her passion for teaching was powerful. Years later, nothing brightened-up her day like a former student approaching her and telling her stories about how she was one of their favorite teachers.

Post-teaching years, Maureen loved her summers in Sea Girt, NJ and winters in Highland Beach, Fl. Maureen was always happy “down the shore” or “at the beach.” Both locations were wonderful gathering places for immediate family but as well as extended family (especially those without a Beach House!) including Paul Hopkins, Judy Cotter, Peter and Barbara Hopkins, Jimmy Hopkins, Joanne Hopkins along with such great friends like Jean McDonough, Maura Alvino and many others.

Maureen was beset with Alzheimer’s which made the very later part of her life challenging for her and others. Maureen and her children would like to give a heartfelt Thank You and acknowledgement to our incredible aides, Shanaa Stewart, Shaniqua Singleton, and Dolores Mosley - as we simply could not have done it without your loving care.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Academy of Our Lady, 180 Rodney St., Glen Rock, NJ 07452.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 17 from 3:00-6:00PM at Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ (www.vpfh.com). Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 18 at 10:00AM at St. Catharine Church, 905 South Maple Avenue, Glen Rock, NJ.  Burial will follow at St. Luke's Cemetery in Ho-Ho-Kus.

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