Melissa S. Hopkins

1967 - 2019

Melissa S. Hopkins

April 3, 1967 -
December 21, 2018

Melissa S. Hopkins, 51, of Henderson, NV, passed away Dec. 21, 2018 after a long illness. She was born April 3, 1967 and grew up in the Eugene area. Melissa was a proud 1989 graduate of the University of Oregon, earning Bachelor degrees in the double majors of Theater and Communications with a minor in Political Science. She went on to continue graduate study in acting in London. She also was an avid cook, having studied at the famed Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, and loved hosting dinner parties.

She pursued an acting career in Los Angeles, got her SAG card, and appeared in television shows such as "Sisters" and the soap opera, "Days of Our Lives." She also served as casting assistant on the feature films, "Batman Forever" and "True Lies." In 1993, Melissa left L.A. to pursue her interest in politics. She worked in Washington, DC, for two former Oregon senators -- Bob Packwood and Gordon Smith. During her time on Capitol Hill, Melissa also worked with the National Republican Congressional Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Committee where she provided communications strategy and logistical press support as well as media coaching and overall political strategy consultation.

After working inside politics on Capitol Hill, she transitioned to the media and managed the media relations office for The Washington Times for eight years, both as an employee and later as a consultant when she created her own company, The Hopkins Group, Inc., which she remained active in until her death. During her time in Washington, she interviewed hundreds of congresspersons and senators foraudio and video packages for distribution to radio and television stations across the country, as well as for online use.

Melissa was preceded in death by her father, John Wilbur (Bill) Smigley, long-time mayor of Veneta; her mother, Myrtle Nevada Smigley; and two sisters, Alanna and Patti. Melissa is survived by her husband of nearly 20 years, Gary Hopkins, and their three sons, Max, Myles and Will; her brother, Tim Smigley and sister, Nancy; as well as her sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Dual memorial services -- one in Henderson and another in Eugene -- are still being planned by the family.