Mary Jeanette French |
NOXEN TWP. — Mary Jeanette (French) Hopfer, 80, of Noxen Township, passed away Dec. 6, 2014, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center. Preceding her in death were an infant daughter; brothers, John and Joseph; sisters, Alice Lane, Annabelle MacIntosh, Dorothy Shafer, Grace Nalbone and Edna Newberry.
Surviving are her devoted husband, Ronald M. Hopfer; daughters, Janet and her husband, Michael Houssock, Sweet Valley, Lorraine and her husband, Douglas Brelsford, Noxen, Ronalee and her husband, Benjamin Schall, Hunlock Creek, and Marguerite and her husband, Thomas MacDougall, Harveys Lake; grandchildren, Christina Houssock (Michael) Maye and Aimee Houssock, Melissa Brelsford (Charles) Jacobs and Jesse Brelsford, Amanda and Jacob Schall, Trevor and Mitchell MacDougall; great grandchildren, Michael, Kyleigh and Owen Maye, Emmalee and Spencer Jacobs; sister, Helen Schwartz, New York; many nieces, nephews and friends.
The youngest child of Myron and Dorothy Jones French, Mary was born Nov. 23, 1934, in Scranton, and grew up in Noxen Township. She was educated in the Lake-Noxen School District and graduated in 1952. She worked as both a secretary and a seamstress until her retirement.
Mary and Ron were married Jan. 8, 1955, at Alderson, Harvey's Lake, by the Rev. Ruth Underwood, celebrating nearly 60 wonderful years together.
Throughout her life, Mary served the Noxen United Methodist Church in many roles, including Sunday school teacher, bookkeeper, and was also on numerous committees. She volunteered many hours at the Noxen school house for the Community Development Corporation (CDC), helping with the clothes closet, Schenck Memorial Library, and children's parties.
Mary loved to garden and read. She loved listening to music and visiting or dining with family and friends. She had a great sense of humor and believed in living life to the fullest. She loved her family, her friends and her hometown, and she will be deeply missed.
Those who knew Mary will not be surprised by her decision to volunteer her body for scientific research. In keeping with her wishes, there will be no viewing. A celebration of life service will be held at the Noxen United Methodist Church on a date to be announced by the family. Monetary donations, if desired, can be made to Noxen CDC, Noxen Food Pantry or Noxen United Methodist Church, all at 3390 State Route 29, Noxen, PA 18636.