Barbara Hopkins

4/1/1927 — 1/2/2015

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God welcomed home a new angel as Barbara J. Hopkins passed to join her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, Jan. 2, 2015. Barb was an amazing wife, mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was greeted in Heaven by her father and mother, Robert B. Wright and Edna Francis Cargill Wright, whom she loved beyond words.

She was born April 1, 1927, in Lewiston. Barb lived in Lewiston her entire life, except for a short time in Nezperce in her youth, and in Missoula, Mont., after her marriage to Bryan.

She and the love of her life, Bryan, were married on Nov. 27, 1948. They were inseparable for the next 66 years.

Barb loved being Mom to Steve, Bill and Jode, and treasured being Nana and Grandma to Betsey, Nate, Matt, Jared and Jacob. She was delighted to welcome her first great-granddaughter, Mia, in February 2014. She cherished her relationship with her only sibling, Bill (William D. Wright). Her family and friends were her world.

Barb loved animals and rode a horse before she could walk. She was selected to be a princess for the 1946 Lewiston Roundup Royalty. Her stories growing up often involved family pets and always her close relationship with her family.

Barb graduated from Lewiston High School in 1945 and attended the University of Idaho before getting married. She went back to school in 1969 to earn her teaching certificate from Lewis-Clark State College. She truly loved the 17 years she spent teaching first, then third grade at St. Stanislaus. She had great stories to share, not only about her students, but also the sisters who became her close friends. Countless times parents came up to her when she was shopping or at a restaurant to say, "Barb was the best teacher their child ever had."

She loved fashion and was always current on the latest trends. Her daughter and granddaughter were often known to borrow her clothes and accessories. No one loved a bargain more than Barb and she was shopping right up until the day she passed.

Barb will be remembered for her huge heart and putting others first. She loved her family unconditionally and was an amazing example to all privileged to know her.

Barb was an avid bridge player. She and Bryan thoroughly enjoyed duplicate games and tournaments, both in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley and when snow birding in Yuma, Ariz., and Indio, Calif.

Barb loved to sing and was an excellent dancer. She was a member of several choirs, including the Episcopal church, where she served on the altar guild and vestry. Barb was a natural at dance and taught many others to line dance when she and Bryan headed south to Arizona and California.

She was a member of PEO, Gamma Phi Beta, Red Hat Society, Lewiston Welfare League and many, many bridge clubs. Barb was generous with her time and always willing to help others. Not surprising by her giving nature, Barb delivered meals to Seniors for RSVP for several years. She loved interacting with the seniors she met while delivering their meals.

Barb felt blessed to enjoy many lifelong friendships. She continued to endure the symptoms of her self-described "icky" disease with an unbelievably positive attitude. We are grateful to her many friends and family for their incredible support.

Barb is survived by her loving husband, Bryan, and their three children, son Steve and his wife Alyssa, son Bill and his wife Karen, and daughter Jode; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild; Betsey and her husband Colby Garner, Nate, his wife Bri, and their daughter Mia, Matt and his fiancee Lauren, Jared and his wife Michelle and Jacob. She is also survived by her only brother and best friend, Bill Wright.

Barb will be missed beyond words, but her strong faith in Jesus Christ helps us find peace knowing she is in a better place, reunited with those who passed before her and enjoying the beauty of heaven. At her request there will be no service. Remembrances can be made in lieu of flowers to the Salvation Army or the Congregational-Presbyterian Church, Lewiston. Condolences and memories can be shared at www.malcomsfuneralhome.com

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Condolences

Paula Robins Ward

Bryan, Please accept my deepest sympathy for the passing of your wonderful Barb. It has been so many years since I spent any significant time in the valley, but I shall always have fond memories of you from MSB and Barb from various PEO functions. I'll always remember her as a positive and upbeat person. Paula

Saturday, January 24, 2015 8:54 AM

Kathy Cone

What a special, genuine lady Barb was! I remember her warm smile at PEO meetings and other gatherings. It was always a pleasure to talk with her.

My condolences to the family during such a sad time.