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1927
2019
HOPKINS DOROTHY RADZIAK
Age 92, entered eternal rest on August 12, 2019. Dorothy Joanne Radziak was born in January 1927, in Shenandoah, PA. She was valedictorian of her high school class; earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Education degree from Penn State University; and earned a Master of Library Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Dorothy taught English and business-related subjects for three years at Athens High School in Athens, PA. She married fellow Penn State graduate Thomas A. Hopkins at State College in June 1953 and moved to Pittsburgh where Tom was teaching at Mount Mercy College. While raising their son, Tom, Dorothy volunteered at Columbia Hospital in Wilkinsburg and later at Central Catholic High School's library. She was one of four founders of Storytellers Unlimited, which involved the oral presentation of myths, legends, and folklore primarily to young audiences. Dorothy served as the editor of newsletters that Storytellers Unlimited published for national and international distribution. From 1972 until 1995, she was the librarian at the Pittsburgh Public Schools Professional Library. A devout Catholic, Dorothy had longtime affiliations with St. James Parish in Wilkinsburg and, later, St. Paul Cathedral. She looked forward to reuniting with her husband, who died in 2006. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 1028 Benton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. There will be no visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Paul Cathedral in Oakland on September 10, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. The family thanks the wonderful caregivers who enabled Dorothy to remain in the comfort of her home. Arrangements by JOHN A. FREYVOGEL SONS, INC. freyvogelfuneralhome.com
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6 Entries
October 27, 2019
Mary Ruth Clarke
Tom and Gail -- so sad to hear about Dorothy's passing. She was such a lovely, thoughtful, and vibrant person. My sister Colleen and I have such fond memories of visiting the Hopkins in Pittsburg, and Tom and Dottie visiting us in Columbus (for more than one Ohio State football game, if I can recall.) When I sent Dottie's obituary to Colleen, she replied that she still has ALL the books Dottie gave her (Classic Fairy Tales : Rumplestiltskin ) and all the books Dottie gave her for the birth of her children -- Irish Leprechaun Tales and The Days Before Now, and for the birth of her first child, an autobiography of Margaret Wise Brown, with this note on the inside cover: "This book belongs to Colleen and Philip Michels, to be shared with their daughter Brigid Francis when she will want to know something about the author of Goodnight Moon." So thoughtful. Such a class act. May Dorothy rest in peace and she will be missed. Mary Ruth Clarke
October 16, 2019
Alice Ann Demetrius Stock
Dear Dorothy:
I remember when Tom passed on and now I am right behind you.
Thank you for being so good to me and my two children: Bobby and Alice, when they were pre-schoolers and I brought them to meetings of Storytellers.
I'll always remember your intelligence, good example, generosity, kindness to all and your sweet smile.
You were a mentor and friend to me and to many, and I loved you for all the help and advice you gave me.
It was a delight to work with you to enjoy your company on our lunch outings.
As one librarian storyteller to another...I know you are now living "happily ever after."
Love, Alice
September 6, 2019
janie starrett
Mrs. Hopkins blessed so many people with her kindness. Praying that you'll find comfort in your memories of her and in the knowledge that others are missing her too.
I will miss my correspondence with her greatly.
September 4, 2019
Karen Ann Durler
I had the pleasure of meeting Dorothy while working in the OVT Center, where the Professional Library was located at the time. My prayers and deepest sympathy to her family and, I'm sure, to her many friends. I have many wonderful memories of this lovely lady!
September 2, 2019
Tom & Gail,
I hope to see you for your Mom's memorial service. I'm sorry it is under these circumstances.
Agnes
August 25, 2019
C. Eugene Rosser
Dearest Mrs Hopkins,
I think of Heaven as a Garden where I shall find once again those dear ones who have made my world. Thank you for being a part of
my world. And I keep the NOEL ornament in
full view to remind me of you every time I
pass by it...all the chuckles we had about it never being put away with the other ornaments! I will miss you.
Much love
Gene
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
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