Talvikki Hella-Maria "Taija" Hoopes

1930 - 2016

Talvikki "Taija" Hella-Maria Hoopes née Lindell, of Salinas, California, passed away July 18, 2016, at the age of 85, exactly 10 years and one month after her dearly beloved husband, Dick. She succumbed from complications of a stroke.
Taija was born in Riihimäki, Finland on Oct. 5, 1930 to Kaarle and Elli Lindell. At just 9 years of age, she experienced the trauma of World War II when the Russians bombed her hometown. Taija joined the Junior "Lotta Svärd" women's auxiliary to aid in the war effort as a volunteer, providing clothing and medical supplies to the army. Her father, Kaarle Villiam, was a highly decorated artillery non-commissioned officer, and she lost her favorite uncle, Kalevi, in the successful defense of Finland.
She graduated from business college then moved to London in her early 20s where she met and married the love of her life, Richard "Dick" Hoopes, an enlisted U.S. Air Force airman who became a meteorologist. They had a wonderful life together, having four sons, born in England, Ireland and Florida.
She raised her four sons with great love, high expectations, and great adventures all over both sides of the Atlantic. She is survived by those sons, Kaarl, Richard, Erik and Mark, and their wives and families. Taija is also survived by her family in Finland, including sister Aulikki Odelma, nephews Antti and Matti-Kaarle Odelma and niece Tiina Tyystälä née Avellan and their families.
Her own career began in her 40s, with the National Bank of Alaska, where she worked for more than 10 years, starting as a loan clerk and rising to become one of the first female vice presidents. She was fluent in five languages, and always on top of everything she did.
Our mother was a gifted amateur artist having created beautiful paintings and collages. She taught her sons the value of hard work, and doing a task the right way the first time and taking pride in your work. Taija raised us in church, valuing the teachings of the Bible and Jesus Christ. She was the glue that held us all together, helping us remember birthdays and anniversaries; keeping us posted on the major developments in each other's lives and always providing loving encouragement as we worked toward our goals.
Her funeral and celebration of her amazing life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 8, at Cypress Community Church, in Salinas California.
For her full obituary, and to share your thoughts please visit: www.struveandlaporte.com and www.facebook.com/taija.hoopes.
For questions, contact Kaarl at KaarlH@mailpci.com or 303-808-5885, www.struveandlaporte.com and www.facebook.com/taija.hoopes.