April 20, 1930 - February 23, 2023
Ellen T. Hoppe passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of February 23rd at the age of 92 following a lengthy battle with various cancers which were first diagnosed in 2006. She brought a smile and joy to every day and will be missed by all that knew her.
Originally named Mary Ellen Tavel, Ellen was born in Palatka, Florida, near Jacksonville, on April 20th, 1930. She grew up spending lots of time on her family's farms and had a love of horses, sports, and being outdoors. After graduating from Putnam High School, she attended Florida State University where she participated in the marching band, the Women's Judiciary, held leadership roles in several clubs, and was a proud member of the Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. She graduated with a BS in Biological Science in 1952.
Following graduation, Ellen attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI, and was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. Serving as an intelligence officer, she was stationed at the Alameda Naval Air Station where she met her future husband, Ensign Louis W. Hoppe, in 1954. They both left the Naval Service in 1956 and were married on December 16th that same year...a marriage that would last over 66 years! As both loved California, they decided to make their home initially in the Oakland Hills, and then in 1965 moved to San Carlos, where they raised their family.
Ellen worked for years in the retail industry, and had her real estate license, but her passions were always her family, sports, playing games and singing. She was the mom (and Grammie) that never missed one of her family's sporting events, performances, birthdays, graduations, etc. Any excuse to have the family together was a good one, and every goodbye ended with a "I love you more!" She loved to cheer for her children's teams, the local Bay Area franchises (although she always liked the Cowboys too), and of course, her Florida State Seminoles. She also loved playing sports, especially tennis, which she did not give up until her mid-70's.
Ellen's favorite activity was singing, and she had a beautiful voice throughout her life. For over forty years she was a member of Sweet Adelines International, most recently with the Bay Area Showcase Chorus, competing around the country and performing multiple times every year. She also performed in both the San Carlos Chickens' Ball and Kiwanis Club's annual variety shows from 1978-2018.
Ellen was an active member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in San Carlos for over 50 years, including service as a youth advisor for five years, a deacon for three, and acting as both a cook and advisor on seven different home-building mission trips to Tijuana and Tecate, Mexico. She was 79 years old on her final trip in 2010, but always thought of herself as just another one of the kids!
Junior Matrons was also one of her passions. She treasured her friendships and enjoyed working on the scholarship program and encouraged young scholars to do their best work and give back to the community.
Ellen's love for her family and friends and positive outlook clearly helped her persevere through all of her health issues later in life, and her strength and compassion for others will be a huge part of the legacy she leaves behind. She is survived by her husband: Lou, her children: Lynn (and husband Ron) and Jim (and wife Dana), her grandchildren: Gabrielle (and husband Jared), Teagan (and husband Phil), Matthew, Alyson, Jennifer, Jason and Quinn, and her great-grandchildren: Garrett, Kaley, Perri and Connor.
The family will be hosting a private service. In lieu of flowers, they request that donations be made to a charity of choice, or to the American Cancer Society.
