In Memoriam: Joan Hopkins, 101, was Author, 'Grannie,' Senior Pageant Winner

Joan Hopkins, age 101, of Bethel, CT, died Thursday, May 23, 2013.

Joan was born in Eccles, Lancashire, England in 1912, daughter of Albert Thomas Wright and Lily Bradley. Most of her earlier years were spent in England, except for two years in Egypt following WW1, and three years at an Ursuline Convent in Belgium. After marriage she became a stay at home Mom, and then a swimming instructor. In 1973 Joan and her daughter Anna came to the States to join her daughter Sarah. The next few years saw her child minding, writing a book called "Grannie's Book of Short Stories", becoming a US Citizen, being crowned Ms. Senior CT 1997 at the age of 85, and going to the National Pageant and winning awards. Joan was a regular member of St Thomas Episcopal Church, the Bethel Library, and attended Yoga and Creative Writing classes at the Bethel Senior Center.

She leaves three daughters: Mercedes Ann Needham of England, Sarah Jane Genero of Bethel and Anna Arndt of Bethel; Six Grandchildren; 12 Great Grandchildren and 7 Godchildren.A Memorial Service to celebrate Joan's life will be held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Bethel, followed by burial of the ashes in the Columbarium and a Reception in the Parish Hall on Saturday, June 1 at 11:00 AM.

Contributions may be made to St Thomas Church, 95 Greenwood Ave., Bethel, CT 06801 and to Father John Gatzak, Office of Radio and Television, 15 Peach Orchard Road, Prospect, CT 06712-1052.

The Bethel Funeral Home is handling cremation arrangements. There are no calling hours.

Obituary courtesy of the Bethel Funeral Home.