Obituary of Marlene F. Hopkins

Marlene Frances Hopkins, a woman whose kindness and joy in her family was the hallmark of her life, died Thursday at Taylor Hospital.

Born January 23, 1946, in Delaware County to parents Atwood Green Hopkins and Frances Mildred Hopkins, Marlene moved at a young age to the Garnet Valley area. She earned a diploma from the Elwyn School.

Marlene was born with cerebral palsy and struggled with mobility for her whole life, but her disability did not define her, and she valued her independence fiercely. She couldn’t drive, but she pedaled around the neighborhood on a three-wheeled bike. She pitched wiffle ball to her kids. She helped her parents out as they grew older.

Marlene’s life was marked by the devotion she had to her family - her parents and siblings, then her sons Anthony and Christopher, and eventually, her children and grandchildren. She centered her life on making sure her children had what they needed, even when times were tough. Her family was not well-off, but her kids had everything they needed - education, the ability to play sports, and abundant love. She supported their dreams and helped them find ways to achieve them.

“She was just such a loving and a giving person,” her son Anthony said. “She would bypass paying some bills just so I could have opportunities. She was a give-you-the-shirt-off-her-back kind of person.”

Later in life, nothing delighted her more than her nine grandchildren and her six greatgrandchildren. Marlene’s life was remarkable for the wholehearted joy she took in simple things - her dog, Haschi and copious amounts of Pepsi! She had a brilliant smile and was even a stylish dancer. At Anthony’s wedding in 2013, Marlene wowed guests during her participation in the Baraat, the procession of the groom’s family into the wedding, an Indian tradition. Marlene proudly joined in the dance circle, pushing her walker back and forth. She even managed a mother-son dance with Anthony with him holding her up.

Survivors include her sons, Anthony (Ami) and Christopher (Kayla), sisters Catherine “Kitty” Dugan and Pam Kelleher (Michael), and her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also mourned by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation: Wednesday, February 9th from 1:00-1:45PM at the Minshall Shropshire-Bleyler Funeral Home, Middletown (Rte. 352) & Knowlton Rds., Middletown Twp., Media, PA 19063.

Funeral Service: Wednesday, February 9th at 2:00PM at the funeral home.

Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery.

The family requests that those attending please wear masks. If guests cannot wear a mask, they may pay their respects during the visitation period, then depart before the start of the service.

Guests may also attend the service virtually at https://drexel.zoom.us/j/9633121751.

Memorial donations may be made to Providence Animal Center, 555 Sandy Bank Rd., Media PA 19063.