Laverne ‘Joy’ Hopkins – Marco Island, Fla.

Most times angels fly away on their own; but on rare occasions they travel in pairs. On March 14, 2022, Laverne “Joy” Hopkins (Gossie) passed away in Marco Island, Fla., joining her husband, Don Hopkins, who passed away only days before on March 8, 2022. Joy was born in Charleroi, where she grew up with her parents and an extended Italian-American family with roots in Poviglio, Italy. She attended Charleroi High School and graduated from University of California Pennsylvania with a degree in education. In 1956, she and Don were married and began their more than six-decade journey of life together. Following her passion for children, Joy had an accomplished career as a teacher and counselor. From her early days as a teacher in Pittsburgh through her retirement, Joy was committed to the growth and support of children. In that light, she earned a master’s degree in education from Elmira College in New York, while at the same time working full time and raising three children. While employed at the Career Development Council in Corning, N.Y., the work of Joy and her colleagues was recognized by a citation from then-President Ronald Reagan, for “outstanding service to the community.” Throughout her life, Joy was active in multiple organizations. One in particular is the American Association of University Women (AAUW), where Joy was a member for decades and served as local branch president in both New York and Florida. As well, she served on the board for the “Friends of Watson” organization at Watson Homestead in upstate New York and was a member of Order of the Eastern Star. Her faith was a pillar in her life and Joy was always an active member of her church, most recently at the United Church of Marco Island. As her name suggests, Joy’s presence brought a sense of happiness and calm to the world around her. This kind, selfless, loving wife and mother is survived by three children, Jill Hopkins of Chicago, Ill., Scott (Nancy) Hopkins of Terrell, N.C., and Todd (Gina) Hopkins of Clarksville, Md.; six grandchildren, Jeffrey, Michael, Carly, Jessica, Tyler and Isabel; and two great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Caleb. A celebration of life service will be held for both Joy and Don at 11 a.m. March 30, 2022, with an informal gathering for friends and family starting at 10 a.m. at HODGES-JOSBERGER FUNERAL HOME, 577 E. Elkcam Circle, Marco Island, Fla. A small ceremony will also take place in Charleroi; date to be determined. The family would like to extend its gratitude to Avow Hospice in Naples, Fla., for its compassionate support and would invite donations to this important organization for those wishing to do so in Joy’s memory (www.avowcares.org).