Frances Eva Hopper
February 7, 1924 - September 29, 2018
Obituary
REMEMBERING FRANCES EVA HOPPER:
Frances Eva Hopper was born on February 7, 1924 to Forest and Emeline Gott of Tukwila Washington. She was the 8thchild of 13 siblings.
Throughout her childhood she spent much of her time playing with her siblings; especially her sister, Ginger, and a neighbor, “Sis” Schaffer. They spent hours outside making camps, climbing trees to pop pitch bubbles, and playing games. She said there was a lot of work to be done in her big family, but they always tried to make a game out of their chores and enjoyed the time spent together.In primary school her teachers praised her for always being helpful to others.
She enjoyed Christian Endeavor youth gatherings in her teens and taking the bus to Seattle to shop. On washday Fran ironed 15 to 20 shirts because her mother liked how she ironed the collars. At fourteen she took a job at Foster Golf Links. Leaving the house at dawn, their dog Rex took her hand in his mouth and walked her all the way. She worked part time at the Links for three years and at various other jobs, using her money to buy clothes and extras. Her favorite purchase was a camera, which she and her sisters had fun taking photos with. She liked sports and in high school earned letters in baseball and basketball.
Her sister, Ethel, gave Fran a 21stbirthday party and her brother Hymie’s friend, Ed, was there. One year later, her sister-in-law Kay, altered Ginger’s wedding gown and Fran married Edward Alva Hopper at Foster Presbyterian Church on April 11, 1946. Fran loved and welcomed Ed’s four-year-old son, Richard Alva, and in April of 1947 their daughter, Scherryl Lynn, was born. Fran loved being a mother and in October of 1948, they had their 3rdchild, Sandra Louise. With their family growing they bought a house across the valley from her parents where Fran planted a small garden and rows of raspberries. There they welcomed their 4thchild, Deborah Charlene, in December of 1951 and in September of 1954 their 5thchild, Charles Edward. Fran had fun with her children. She taught them games she learned as a child, helped them surprise neighbors with flowers on May Day and dressed up on Halloween to keep them safe trick-or-treating.
Fran knew how to make a dollar stretch. She picked and canned all the produce she could and made lots of clothes for her family; especially matching dresses for her girls, and lovely prom dresses as they grew older. She was a campfire leader and the “Mint Mom” for many years. She took a cake-decorating class and made beautiful birthday and wedding cakes. Family connections were always important to her and they often went on camping vacations with their extended family.They always sang in the car when traveling; patriotic songs, gospel songs, and kiddie songs like Mares Eat Oats.Fran was the neighborhood nurse and fix-it-lady.
Like her parents, she and Ed loved helping others. They rarely refused a request and often helped anonymously. They purchased a vacation place at Port Susan the whole family enjoyed, and after Ed retired from Longshoring, traveled with friends and family in their motorhome. They spent lots of time with their grandchildren and Fran crocheted beautiful afghans for each of them including countless potholders for everyone. She and her husband loved playing cards and took turns hosting games. Tragedy struck on October, 2005 when her oldest daughter, Scherryl, died suddenly.Nine months later, on July, 2006, her husband, Ed died. After 60 years of marriage Fran’s faith and her family’s love brought her comfort as everyone grieved.
Until her death Fran lived independently in her own home and continued to help others whenever she could. She always said she enjoyed giving much more than receiving.She enjoyed dining out, winning at the casino, and cheered for all the Seattle teams on TV while still crocheting gifts. She loved watching all the hummingbirds she fed outside her window and often made baked goodies for her friends and neighbors.Fran treasured her family, spent lots of time with all of them, and never forgot a birthday. Her children loved being with her and feel blessed having had her as their mother.
RIP Aunt Franny we’ll miss you.
Hayden and I snuggle with our Afghans everynight. May you sore with hummingbirds.. love you always Grandma
You were the most loving, caring, kind hearted, giving grandma anyone could ever know. I am so glad that I got to see you at the lake a few weeks back and go out to dinner with you at the Muckleshoot casino. And glad that my kids got to know you and my grand kids too. And the 5 generation pictures that we were able to get the past 4 years at Christmas. I will treasure every moment and memory with you. May god hold you in his loving arms while you rest in eternal peace. I will never forget you. I love you
Aunt Franny was my favorite Aunt, her and Uncle Eddy would stop by our house dressed up as Santa Clause and surprise our daughter, Gretchen with some candy. Precious memories.
So sorry for your loss, Debbie. God be with you and your family always.
I always loved going to her house with Tracy when growing up. She was always having fun. What a wonderful woman.
RIP Fran, thank you for all kindness towards us. We will miss seeing your smiling face. You were special.
Lisa, Tristin and Joe,
Fran, we will really miss you. My heart smiles knowing you are with Ed, Sherry and loved ones. We love you and will do our best to comfort your family.
Love you and going to miss Grandma!
ONE OF MY FAVORITE AUNTS! !!!! WILL
MISS YOU AUNT FRAN …. RIP!!!!!!
You were such a fun, kind and caring person. You will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace.
Dee Dee & Jeffrey Harris
I am so sorry for your loss. I loved your mom and being in Campfire Girls was a special joy to me. May you rest in peace until we all get to be together in heaven. I’m sorry I didn’t know about her services until today, because I would have loved to be there. Love you all.