Cloudy, 26° F
(Aug. 31, 1952 - July 13, 2012)
Karen Pamela McDonnell Hopkin died gently on July 13, 2012, at her home, of complications related to the effects of early onset Alzheimer’s disease. She was 59.
Karen was born Aug. 31, 1952 to Luke and Sally Chandler McDonnell in Miami, Fla. After earning her GED, Karen enlisted in the U.S. Army Medical Corps and trained to be a dental hygienist at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. It was there that she met her eternal soul mate and husband of 39 years, Kurt V. Hopkin. After their marriage on Fort Jackson Army Base, S.C., they returned to Wyoming and attended the University of Wyoming where Karen earned a master’s degree in speech language pathology. As a devoted speech pathologist and administrator, Karen influenced many young students, who she constantly advocated for. She serviced the Park County School District for 29 years, retiring before her AD could affect the families and community she served so compassionately.
As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Karen held many leadership positions. She particularly enjoyed working in the Young Women’s Organization, sharing her many talents, insights and her strong testimony of the church.
She is survived by her husband, Kurt; and children: Ashley (Karen) Kochkanyan and of Denver, Luke (Sara) Hopkin of Springville, Utah, Paul Hopkin of Denver, Neal (Maria) Hopkin of Harriman, Utah; grandchildren Alexander, Melchizedek, Zedekiah, Delia and Afifa; brother Craig McDonnell of Pensacola, Fla.; and many loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 21 at the LDS Stake Center, 1500 Heart Mountain Street in Cody. A viewing will precede the service from 10-10:45 a.m.
Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to your neighborhood school. An online guestbook is available at www.ballardfh.com.
