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Judy Hopkins Obituary
Judy was born in Gooding, Idaho, on Aug. 8, 1941, and moved to Juneau in 1953. She graduated from Juneau High School in 1959.
Judy worked for Sen. Ernest Gruening in Washington, D.C.; as a secretary for Atlantic Richfield and Arco Alaska in Anchorage; and as an administrator for the Legislative Affairs Agency. Judy was active in the League of Women Voters of Alaska and in the many activities of her Juneau High School class of 1959 over the years.
Judy started her full-time career in quilting after being named Alaska state winner of the Great American Quilt Contest (the "Liberty Contest") in 1986. Since then, she wrote and co-authored 18 design and pattern books for quilters, designed and produced tools for quilters, and designed a line of quilt-themed jewelry.
Judy is survived by her husband of 49 years, Bill Hopkins; daughter, Blythe Campbell and husband Rob of Anchorage; daughter, Darien Reece and husband Jeff of Portland; Bill's daughter, Peggy Hopkins and partner Jill Christiansen of Seattle; five interesting grandchildren; Dafoe and Allen cousins and family members; many cherished friends and former classmates; and hundreds of passionate and devoted quilters across the country.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Lois Smith Dafoe; and father, Don Dafoe.
Judy's family thanks her friends and classmates, Jill Bryson and Dick Reynolds, for their support in Judy's final days. Her family and friends will treasure their memories of an intelligent, accomplished and organized woman. As close family friend Forest Hembree said, "Judy left a large wake."
At Judy's wish, no public service will be held.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Juneau Community Foundation's Arts & Humanities Fund, www.juneaucf.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Judy Hopkins
Annie
April 28, 2011
The quilting world has lost another great one.
Summer Baker
April 11, 2011
Blythe
She will always be watching over you and your family.
With condolences
Cher Culver
April 11, 2011
Judy was so very well known and loved everywhere, but especially by quilters here in Anchorage, Alaska. She is greatly missed. God Bless all of her family and friends. Sincerely and with my condolences, Cher Culver, Anchorage
April 10, 2011
The quilting world has lost a great teacher. Judy will be missed.
Jo Reid/Alabama
Cheryl Pepin Cone
April 8, 2011
Dear "Uncle" Bill, Peggy, Blythe and Darrien.
I am so sorry for your loss of a strong wonderful wife and mother. This is a very joyful sadness and it is understandable how the two of those should not go together, but they do. I loved your family as a whole and miss the great times we all had together while camping, backpacking through the vast lands of Alaska. Thank you Uncle Lee's extended family for making us your family with love and devotion. Thank you God for your beautiful generosity by sharing "Aunt" Judy with us on this earth. My condolences to all of you and the grandkids too. God Bless you.
Love from my heart to your's.
Cheryl Pepin Cone (ps...I know that my mom must be jumping for joy to be with Judy in close proximitey)
April 8, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Bill, Blythe and Darien. Judy always brightened our day when she came by the office. She will be deeply missed. Tamara, Mike and Steven
April 7, 2011
Bill, Blythe and Darien: My sincerest condolences for the passing of Judy. She was very special, as you know, a pleasure to be around during the legislative sessions in the 1970's. Best wishes to you all, Terry Dale.
Pat Bernard
April 7, 2011
Judy was not only a fine quilter and exceptional teacher, but just a wonderful, fun lady. She will be missed and much sympathy and empathy to her family and friends. As I type this I can see a quilt hanging on my wall from a class I took from Judy...thanks Judy!
Pat Bernard, Anchorage, AK.
April 7, 2011
Fond memories of Judy and the Defoe clan at Willow Lake. Ed and Pat Nash.
April 7, 2011
Dear Darien and Blythe -- sending comforting energy and deep sympathy for your loss -- Katie Schroeder Samuels
Jean Parsons
April 7, 2011
Dear Blythe - sincere sympathy and condolences from Jean Parsons.
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