Elizabeth Hopper

Elizabeth J. Hopper lived in Ann Arbor, Michigan, all of her life. It is the place she called home, and the place where she created a lifetime of memories with her family and friends. The 1920s were a time of change and excitement. The decade marked the spread of ready-to-wear fashion. More women were wage earners and did not want to spend time on fittings so inexpensive fashion became available. Music ranged from Bessie Smith singing the blues to sentimental ballads like “I’ll Be Seeing You in Apple Blossom Time.” Many people flocked to the cities, leaving behind their tranquil rural lifestyle. However, Rudolph and Lucy (Jedele) Vogel were content living the simple life in Ann Arbor, Michigan. On January 24, 1922, they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Elizabeth, in their home on 3rd Street in Ann Arbor. She was one of five Vogel children.

Elizabeth spent their growing up years on Lutz Avenue, but remained on the old west side of Ann Arbor her entire life. She once told the story of a time when she and her sisters were playing restaurant one day near the family garden. Her father was growing some hot peppers and they decided to use them in preparing their dish. Much to the amusement of their parents, the girls quickly found out why they were called “hot peppers.” There were always chores to do around the house and often times the neighbor lady would call Lucy asking for her girls to come help clean her house. Christmas was always a very special holiday in the Vogel home. On Christmas Eve, Elizabeth and her sisters would attend church services while their parents were decorating their home and Christmas tree. The walk back from church was always filled with anticipation, knowing that their home would be beautifully decorated for Christmas.

Elizabeth met her future husband while attending the area schools. Thomas Hopper sat near Elizabeth in class and on one occasion even asked if he could copy her homework. She allowed this, not knowing at the time the life that they would share together. They were graduates of Ann Arbor High School, Elizabeth in 1940. She and Thomas were happily married on September 4, 1943. Later they found out they were one of six high school couples that went on to get married. The Hopper family quickly grew with the births of their two children, Jim and Diane. Elizabeth adored her family and loved being with them whenever she could. Although Elizabeth’s life was happy, it was marked with great sorrow with the passing of her beloved Thomas on April 22, 2002.

Besides caring for her family, Elizabeth also found time for work and leisure activities. She worked as a bookkeeper at Fingerle Lumber Co. for 25 years. She was also a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church. When not working, she enjoyed reading, doing crafts and sewing. A talented seamstress, Elizabeth quite frequently donned a new dress she made herself for different social events, which she wore with great pride. Being a crafty person, she also enjoyed knitting, crocheting and decorating wreaths. Some of her favorite foods were German dishes prepared by her family. Undoubtedly, Elizabeth’s favorite time of year was the Christmas season. With such warm memories from her childhood, Elizabeth continued those same traditions with her own family. Every year, her home boasted of a flocked Christmas tree that her brother William often helped decorate. Most importantly, however, Elizabeth simply enjoyed being surrounded by the love and laughter of her loved ones.

Elizabeth J. Hopper of Ann Arbor, Michigan, died on Friday, June 04, 2004, at her home surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband of 59 years, Thomas Hopper, on April 22, 2002. Surviving are her two children, Jim (Marge) Hopper of Livingston, TX, and Diane Hopper of Ann Arbor; three sisters: Mary Vogel of Ann Arbor, Barbara (Ben) Putman of Ann Arbor, and Helen Vogel of Ann Arbor; one brother, William (Dorothy) Vogel of Saline, MI; two nieces: Laurie (Jerry) Stegenga, and Beth (Bob) Newman; and one nephew, David Putman.

The family will receive friends at the Nie Life Story Funeral Home, 2400 Carpenter Road on Tuesday, June 8, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph Mercy Hospice, 806 Airport Blvd., Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108. Please visit Elizabeth's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her life story, archive a memory, or make a memorial contribution in her memory.

Elizabeth Hopper was a woman with a generous heart. She devoted herself to her family, living life to the fullest as a loving wife, mother and sister. She will be deeply missed.