Patricia "Pat" Hopkins

Pat was born on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1940, in Astoria, Queens, which is how she came to be named Patricia. She grew up on Grand Avenue in New Haven and was a proud graduate of the Hamilton Street School. She stayed connected to many of her classmates and attended school reunions throughout her life.

Pat met her husband, Richard “Rich” Hopkins, when she was about 16 years old. They married in 1961 and shared more than six decades together. In 1966, they moved from New Haven to Jefferson Circle in Clinton, where they raised their two children, Ricky and Whitney, and formed friendships that lasted for the rest of Pat’s life.

Pat worked at several places over the years, most notably Pepperidge Farm in Clinton and Temple Beth Tikvah in Madison. More than anything, however, Pat was known for taking care of people and animals. She looked after family, friends, and her children’s friends. At one point, she had 13 cats. She also rescued birds and squirrels and even bottle-fed a raccoon.

Pat was a great storyteller and loved board and card games. She was almost unbeatable at Trivial Pursuit. She was also a wonderful cook, something she learned from her mother, Beatrice, known to the family as Nonni. Growing up together in the Grand Avenue neighborhood of New Haven, where feeding family and friends was a way of life, both Pat and Nonni became excellent cooks. Pat carried that tradition with her throughout her life. She was also rarely without a cup of black tea with milk.

Pat’s four grandchildren, Tori, Kelsey, Ethan, and Maeve, were a central part of her life, and they adored her. She attended countless sporting events and was always there to support them. As she did everywhere she went, Pat made friends with the other parents, grandparents, and fans around her.

In retirement, Pat enjoyed going on cruises with a close group of family and friends. She enjoyed traveling, spending time with the people closest to her, and meeting new people along the way.

Pat is survived by her husband, Richard “Rich” Hopkins; her son, Ricky Hopkins and Diane Ruggiero, and their daughters, Tori and Kelsey; and her daughter, Whitney Madura and her husband, John, and their children, Ethan and Maeve.

Pat will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her love of animals, her stories, her cooking, her competitive spirit, and her ability to make friends wherever she went.

A celebration of Pat’s life will be held at Whitney’s home at 8 Nutmeg Drive in Clinton on Saturday, August 1, from noon to 4:00 p.m. All are welcome to come and celebrate Pat.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Pat’s memory to the Valley Shore Animal Welfare League (VSAW). For donation information, contact by email at [email protected]