Jean Anastasia Hopkins

Jean was born in Philadelphia and lived in PA and NY until moving to NC 15 years ago. She was a member of the Philadelphia Ballet through her teens before deciding to get married and have way too many children. She had kids through the 50's, 60's and early 70's and once most were out of the house she decided to go back to school. She received dual bachelor's degrees in psychology and philosophy, summa cum laude, in 1987. She then attended Yale on a full scholarship and worked for Oswego County DSS until retirement.

Once retired, she traveled the world, visiting over 50 countries. She loved something about each, but her favorites were Vietnam/Cambodia for the temples, culture and people; Kenya for the animals; Italy for the food and architecture; and Jerusalem for the spirituality.

Jean was a voracious reader and completed daily crossword puzzles past her 92nd birthday. She was a deeply spiritual person and tough as nails, kicking CML’s (chronic myeloid leukemia) ass for over a decade.

Jean will be missed by those who loved her, including her puppies and vast number of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, as well as the myriads of non-profits she regularly donated to.

If you would like to make a donation in her memory, some of her favorite charities are Blood Cancer United (formerly Leukemia & Lymphoma Society), Doctors Without Borders, and any non-kill animal shelter.