Hanna Hopkins
Age - 88
September 23, 2023
Hanna Hopkins passed away September 14, 2023, at 88 years old. She was born Hanna Lore Berte Gertrude Schlott, in Berlin, Germany to Marthe and Wilhelm Schlott, and lived a full life wherein she loved and nourished her family and overcame numerous challenges. These included being evacuated as a young child from Berlin for over 4 years during WW II, only returning to her mother in the city in late 1944 to survive the worst of the bombing and food scarcity for the city's residents; becoming a teenage bride and parent; and emigrating to the American South to learn a new culture, language, and workforce skills.
With her young U. S. Army husband (Jonas Reeves), Hanna had three daughters -- Doris Reeves-Lipscomb (Bentley Lipscomb), Dianne Reeves (Dr. Joel Cohen), and Rayana Ratliff (Terry-Michael Ratliff). After her divorce, Hanna settled in northern Palm Beach County, FL. She worked for RCA as a technical translator, where she met her future husband, Dr. Robert Hopkins.
Hanna and Bob loved each other for more than 45 years. Their life together was exciting and rewarding. His work took them to New Jersey, the British Isle of Jersey, the Washington, D. C. area, and Encino, California before they returned to North Palm Beach in 2003. She and Bob also traveled to Australia, Austria, France, Switzerland, England, Wales, Scotland, and Berlin, Germany to see Hanna's family.
They made friends wherever they resided and traveled. In Encino, Hanna was invited to be an unofficial member of a women's Brandeis University alumni group even though she had never studied at that school. Hanna nurtured many long-time social connections, especially with her beloved lifelong friend and foster sister, Gisela Snearly.
She enjoyed classical music and bringing friends and family together for wonderful meals and social evenings. Invitations to dinner at the Hopkins were eagerly accepted. Hanna also made beautiful necklaces that she gave to family and friends. Hanna was an autodidact, reading constantly and learning from her work. For instance, she volunteered to translate scientific articles for the Smithsonian where she became quite conversant on snails' sexual organs and habits.
Even as a young parent, Hanna was an adoring mother, and welcomed her second family, Bob's children -- Darryl and Cindy Hopkins -- for visits and extended stays, from their childhood into adulthood.
She was proud of her grandchildren: Sarah Cohen, Esq. , Sam Cohen, Esq. , (Alie), Dr. Madeline Cohen, M. D. (Ian Hartsough), Josh Ratliff (Heather), and Matt Ratliff. Hanna treasured her Hopkins' grandchildren, too -- Sophie, Nick, and Sam. She had three great-granddaughters: Addyson Ratliff, and two named after her: Joanna Cohen and Hannah Ratliff.
Hanna was predeceased by her older sisters, Erika and Dorothee ("Doris") in Berlin, and her daughter, Rayana Ratliff.
A private memorial service will be held. If you wish to pay her tribute, please consider contributing to organizations advocating for and supporting women's reproductive health care choices and services, or animal welfare (dogs and chimpanzees in particular).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www. howard-quattlebaum. com for the Hopkins family.Show more
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