Helen Hopkins

In Loving Memory of Helen Hopkins, 79, of Union, N.J. Helen Hopkins (Holmes), beloved mother and grandmother passed away at the age of 79 at Cornell Care & Rehabilitation Center in Union, NJ. Born on August 29, 1945, in Newark, NJ to the late Arlene Holmes, Helen was a long-time Newark resident before moving to Union to be closer to her son Rod Simpkins. As a child, Helen lived for some time in South Carolina with her favorite cousins Louise “Mutter” White, Betty Martin (deceased), and Martha “Lumpy” Chandler. Helen attended public schools in Elizabeth and Newark, NJ, and went on to earn an associate’s degree from Essex County College. Helen was employed by Ford Motor Company at the Edison plant for 25 years before retiring. After her retirement from Ford, she worked as a home health aide for many years until 2023. Helen was the life of the party and loved talking, laughing, traveling, and visiting with her family and friends. She was very close to her son Rod, sister Jean, and many cousins with whom she spoke to on a daily basis. Helen enjoyed cooking, music, dancing, taking trips to the casino, and playing bingo. Affectionately called “Granny” by her granddaughters, she loved making rice and gravy, chicken, fish, and shrimp for them. Helen was a God-fearing woman who regularly attended church, serving as a trustee and usher. She also proudly sang in the church choir. Helen was predeceased by her beloved husband James Hopkins. She leaves to mourn, her son Rod Simpkins, daughter-in-law Leah Simpkins, her two granddaughters Briana and Kaiya Simpkins, her sister Jean Dancy, niece Judy Dancy, nephew Ron Dancy, great nephews Dru Dancy and Elijah Elmore, and a host of family and friends. She will truly be missed by all.