Jeanne Louise Hopkins (nee Kitchen)
On Thursday July 13th, 2023, Jeanne passed away peacefully at the age of 84. Beloved mother to Robert Hopkins (Cindy) and Michelle Nash (Hopkins). Proud Grandmother to Christopher and Michael Nash. Much loved sister to John Kitchen and his wife Penny. Jeanne will be greatly missed by her beautiful niece Roanna and her many friends and extended family.
Jeanne was born on March 4th, 1939 in Dunnville, Ontario. As a young woman she showed excellence in academics and any activity she involved herself in. At the age of 16, she attained the rank of Gold Cord Guide, a distinguished and difficult level of leadership to achieve in the Guiding community. She loved camping, fishing and exploring new things. Jeanne was also an accomplished piano player and studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.
She began her teaching career because of her love of children, and taught all levels in both North York and with the Sutton School Board when the family moved to Jackson’s Point. Jeanne went back to school to update her skills to become a teacher-librarian, and was quickly hired by the North York Public Library where she worked her dream job in the Local History and Genealogy Department many years after her official age of retirement.
Jeanne made many contributions and enjoyed valuable friendships when she joined the Ontario Historical Society and the York Pioneer & Historical Society. In her “spare” time Jeanne was a popular columnist writing historical articles for “The Bayview Post” with regular features such as “Looking Back” and “Signpost”. She also did freelance articles for “The Toronto Star”, including a popular feature of children’s puzzles all with historical themes. Jeanne also had 5 local history books published and was happy to help whenever other authors requested her assistance.
A proud member of the congregation, for both St. Matthew, the Apostle Oriole and The St. John’s York Mills Church, she enjoyed the fellowship and friendships made over many years. More recently, she was a contributing author to the book by Scott Kennedy 200 Years at St John’s York The Oldest Church in Toronto.
Jeanne wasn’t “All work and no play”. She had an adventurous and fun side! She spent many years travelling to the Yukon to visit with her son Rob and brought her whole family along to visit and enjoy this beautiful part of our Country!
For over 40 years she was a proud member of the ‘International Wine and Food Society”, and loved attending with her Grandson Christopher who enjoyed spending time with his Grandma trying new cuisines and fabulous wines.
Many of you may not know, but Jeanne was diagnosed with a rare and difficult form of cancer to treat in the 1960’s. She not only went on to fight incredible odds to survive, but thrived! Living a full and amazing life!
In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make a donation in Jeanne’s honour to the Canadian Cancer Society. Please follow the link: https://cancer.ca/en/
The family would also like to acknowledge the incredible, extraordinary and compassionate care that Jeanne received at the North York General Hospital. If you wish to make a donation to this wonderful Hospital and their amazing staff in Jeanne’s honour please follow the link: https://www.nygh.on.ca/
Jeanne is now resting in peace, but her amazing life will be forever in the hearts of all who have known her.
As per Jeanne’s wishes, the family will be holding a private service at a future time.
I was so very sorry to hear of Jeanne's passing. I only knew Jeanne from our IW&FS gatherings but she stood out for me, not only for her personal qualities--always a charming and gracious person, but the fact that you could count on her always being present and supportive, regardless of her physical challenges in getting to these events. You always get a sense of who the special people are in this world, and she was one of them.
View MoreI am so sorry to hear the news about Jeanne. She was a real inspiration to me, and probably did more for local history than anyone I could name. I always appreciated her honesty. When my first book was published, she gave me two pieces of advice. 1. "You will always be wrong. Someone will always find mistakes in your books." and 2. "Don't expect to make any money!" Sad to say, she was correct on both counts. Her books and articles will always be among my most valued reference materials. Rest in peace Jeanne, and thank you. Scott Kennedy
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