On Dec. 17, 2022 Jo passed away peacefully at the age of 98 in Excelsior,MN in her apartment at “The Waters Senior Living.” She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years David J. Hopkins in 1992 and by her son David G. Hopkins in 1995. Jo will be laid to rest with them at Moore’s Memorial Garden. Jo is survived by four of her five children: Judith (husband Harry McNeill), Randall (wife Nancy), Gregory (wife Linda), Lisa (husband John Prosser), 16 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
Jo lived her life in five states: Illinois, OH, MN, CA and Texas. She was born Oct 4, 1924 in Stewardson, Illinois where she grew up during the Depression Era. Her industrious parents owned a restaurant in Stewardson where all food was prepared and served by her mother and father. The family began moving to a number of small towns in the area to establish unique pool halls fit for women to enter and family to work. Her father posted signs “No Profanity” and “No Expectorating” to ensure his wife and three daughters would feel comfortable and respected. Jo graduated from high school in Vandalia, Illinois in 1942, later completing two years of college at Lake Erie College for Women in 1967. Jo’s husband was a corporate executive, when their children were in upper grades Jo became active in the Decatur, Illinois volunteer community heading up a city Fun Fair to raise funds for local hospitals. She became credentialed by the city foster care program to interview applicants and inspect homes for safety. Jo had a natural gift for interior design working for a local window covering business. When the family moved to MN Jo worked for a temporary employment agency as an interviewer and placement specialist. When Jo’s husband retired to Mansfield, TX she became active in a local PEO Chapter, and was a life long member of the PEO Sisterhood, an international organization promoting education for female students. Jo quickly became known for her decorating skills and often was the designer of decor and centerpieces at their special
events. She generously donated her skills and time to her many friends who asked for design consultation. After Jo’s husband passed away when Jo was 67 she began working for her son Randall as his GM and ran daily operations of a doorbell and outdoor lighting business he launched growing it over a ten year period into a thriving business. Recently her granddaughter, Megan, asked Jo what she felt was her proudest accomplishment. Jo’s response—being the mother of Judy, Randy, Greg, David and Lisa. Jo was beloved by so many family and friends and will live in our memory and hearts forever.
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