Ana Luisa Hopkins

Ana Luisa Hopkins

HORNELL – Ana Luisa Hopkins, 79, of Hornell, died Sunday morning (July 21, 2024) at her home, with her loving family by her side.

She fought a tough and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer for the last four months, until God decided it was time to take her home. He must have realized that her incredible strength and resilience were the characteristics he needed for another perfect angel. She was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on February 3, 1945, and was the daughter of the late Pascual and Otilia Valle (Porrata). When she was four years old, her parents separated and she moved with her sister (Monsa) and three brothers (Anibal, Israel and Cisco) to Brooklyn, NY where they continued to be close-knit, and raised by their father. She graduated from Eli Whitney Vocational High School in Brooklyn in 1962. After graduation, she continued her education at Brooklyn College from 1962-1964, where she majored in accounting. When she accepted a job at Consolidated Laundries in Manhattan, little did she know she would meet “the man of her dreams,” someone who she would be married to for “58 wonderful years.” Ana was introduced to her future husband, Jeffrey Hopkins, in May 1965, by his father, James (Jim) Hopkins, who also worked for Consolidated Laundries, but in Neptune, NJ. After calling the main branch of Consolidated Laundries in Manhattan to report petty cash funds and “falling in love” with her over the phone, Jim knew he had to introduce her to his son. Jim asked her if she would write to his son, Jeff, who was in the US Air Force, stationed in Brindisi, Italy at that time. They met in person in August 1965, and according to Jeff, it was “love at first sight.” After dating for a few months, Jeff asked Ana to marry him. Ana, of course, said yes, and they were married at Transfiguration Roman Catholic Church in Brooklyn on May 28,1966. Marrying Jeff led to many adventures, and she was happy to go along for the ride. It took her to Grand Forks, North Dakota, where Jeff was finishing his active duty in the Air Force. After about a year, they moved to Pt. Pleasant, NJ where Jeff’s parents lived. They settled in NJ for 22 years and raised their two children. During this time, Ana was a Deputy Town Clerk/ Principal Clerk Typist for the Borough of Pt. Pleasant.

In June 1989, they moved to Arkport, NY, where Jeff continued to work for the railroad. After two years, Jeff’s job with the railroad took them on more adventures, and they wound up moving to Northern California, Colorado and then to Southern California. During this time Ana was a Clerk Typist, working for the Placer County Alcohol, Drug and Tobacco Programs and the Placer County Welfare and Health Departments. Being bilingual was an asset for her!

Their final move in 2001 was back to NY, where they settled in Hornell, so they wouldn’t have to miss the birth of their first grandson. In 2003, Ana worked as a Project Assistant for a Court Reporting Class at Alfred State College, and then, after a few years, she decided to retire in 2005 when Jeff retired from the railroad. They continued to go on adventures together, traveling to Alaska, Ireland and several different Canadian provinces, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Her loving family includes her husband of 58 years, Jeffrey Hopkins, a son Jeffrey (Joe) Hopkins and a daughter Lisa (Rick) Oyer. As Ana’s parents remarried, her number of sisters and brothers, along with nieces, nephews and cousins continued to grow. She loved all of them dearly and kept in touch with many of them throughout her life. Ana had a close relationship with her husband, son and daughter. Fondly known as Nana, she truly adored her two grandchildren, Matthew and Nicholas Oyer, attending all of their sporting events and school functions. She enjoyed going to Curves and was a member of the Hornell Moose Lodge and the AZB Sorority. She was an avid reader, who enjoyed traveling with family and friends, playing Scrabble and watching science fiction movies. Ana is irreplaceable and will be incredibly missed!

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main Street, Hornell is honored to assist Ana’s family with the arrangements.

At Ana’s request, there will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Private interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hornell.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CareFirst or Wilmot Cancer Institute (Hospitality Inpatient Cart).

Online condolences or remembrances of Ana are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.