It is with equal parts of love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear mother June Naida Hopkins of Riverview NB (Formerly of Hillsborough, NB) who passed away peacefully on June 22, 2025, at the young age of 90.
Honouring her wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. The family invites friends and relatives to Cobb’s Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 330 Whitepine Rd. Riverview on Thursday, June 26 from 6-8pm for a time of visitation. Please come ready to share your best memories and stories, your laughter, and maybe a few tears.
Although there will be no eulogy, we couldn’t resist sharing highlights of her life, with perhaps a touch of mischief. Grab your favorite beverage and enjoy the story of her long and full life!
For the last 12 years, she took on the unofficial role of Grass Greeter, welcoming every resident, staff member, and visitor with a wide, beaming smile and a vice-like hand squeeze that said, "You are loved." She held those hands so tightly, as if to pass along a bit of her never-ending love, faith, and humor—and people felt it. She truly became part of the Grass family, and they became part of hers.
She was a true Canadian girl; always ahead of her time. Fiercely proud of her roots, she’d gladly tell anyone, whether they asked or not, that she was an Albert County girl from Hillsborough, the best place on Earth, and how lucky we were to live in such a beautiful country as Canada.
Born ten minutes too late to be a Valentine, according to her father Archibald Jonah, she learned the art of gardening and the gift of baking from her mother, Laveta. Her pastry skills were exceptionally delicate, refined, and precise, like those of a master chef. With those skills, it’s no wonder June won the heart of a handsome young "Bud" Fred Hopkins. Married in Hillsborough they began their life together in Chilliwack BC while he was serving in the army.
The happy couple couldn’t stay away from home for long and soon returned to Hillsborough, where they enjoyed a wonderful life together for 60 years, filled with entertaining friends, golfing, and countless lively card games.
June loved to talk, so naturally, her first career as a telephone operator was the perfect fit. She connected calls at the switchboard using a headset, plugs, and cords—a real hands-on operation. And oh, the things she could have overheard... yet, being the consummate professional, she refrained from uttering a single word. That silence? A true testament to her loyalty, grace, and rock-solid character.
Despite her love for her work at NBTel and a brief stint Eaton’s corporate offices she longed for her own family even more, so she set her career aside to become the selfless mother of Julie and Geoffrey Hopkins. A devoted mother, she poured her heart into their lives, volunteering for all their activities. She was the driving force behind the creation of the local Figure Skating Club and hockey programs. Without her thousands of skaters wouldn’t have had the opportunity to enjoy the sport. She served as treasurer for Hillsborough & District minor hockey, and was heavily involved in Fundy Blades Figure Skating Club where she played a key role in the growth of the club. She fought for girls’ involvement, making sure they had sports opportunities like the boys. Her dedication extended to serving on the board in many capacities, including as president of the figure skating club. In addition to her work with sports, she also served on the local school board and was the president of a political party. She worked tirelessly in hopes of making the world a better place, or at the very least more sensible for her beloved family. What might she say about today’s politics? Well, it would be passionate, pointed, and probably accompanied by a raised eyebrow.
Despite being the family CEO and dedicating herself to countless volunteer activities, she also supported our father in owning and operating Hopkins Texico and Bud’s Sport Shop, where they became the Ski-Doo dealers for southeast New Brunswick. But they didn’t just sell gasoline and snowmobiles—they sold fun. The stories from those days still echo around town, right, Gail?
Once the kids had officially launched into adulthood, she made her return to the workforce (LOL). As one of the original employees at the "REAL" Atlantic Superstore, she brought her flair for style to the jewelry counter. She had a passion for bling before it was a thing and took great joy in selling diamonds at Charm Diamond Center. Later, in a full-circle move, she returned to Hillsborough to support the friends they had sold the business to, Bob and Lana, helping them continue the legacy.
As a woman of great faith, she attended many churches and shared her love of music and song. She also enjoyed skating, cross-country skiing, ceramics, playing the piano, watching baseball, watching live theatre, birdwatching during drives through the backwoods, and playing bridge in her younger years. And, of course, she loved many rounds of golf, both in Fundy and at Moncton Golf and Country Club.
She is remembered with unending love by her children: Julie Hopkins ( Richard Kerr) Moncton and Geoff Hopkins (Sarah Masters) Halifax; her precious grandchildren: Stephanie (Devon) Chase, Corey Wells, Jesse Hopkins (Quinne), Brett Hopkins (Haley); and her treasured great-grandchildren Adaline and Hudson. Her pride in them was matched only by the twinkle in her eye when telling stories of their antics. She is also fondly remembered by her beloved sister Neva Oulton (Ottawa), a whole team of nieces and nephews, and one who was like a son to her, Jack Marsh, as well as special friends Scott Wells and Craig & Denise Andrews. They cherish the special outings at the cottage on the hill, picnics in Fundy, and many family meals shared together.
She was predeceased by her adoring husband, Fred (Bud) Hopkins, her parents, Arch and Laveta Jonah, her in-laws Fred and Helena Hopkins, her brothers-in-law, Chet Oulton, Frankie & Ben Hopkins, and her sisters-in-law, Florence Reid and Mary Steeves. We’re certain they were all waiting with open arms and fresh percolated coffee.
To the staff at Grass Nursing Home (the original), our heart felt gratitude and thanks for loving her like one of your own. For 12 years, you weren’t just caregivers, you were family! You held her hand, laughed at her stories (even the same ones on repeat), and made her days full of dignity and joy.
Donations in her memory can be made to the charity of your choice, because she believed love was meant to be shared.