Rose Marie Hopkins Barr, 78, of Erie passed away peacefully on Monday May 7, 2018 after a short illness.
She was born December 13, 1939 in Colfax, WA , daughter of the late Merle and Alice Marie Clarke Hopkins. She spent her early years in the Pacific Northwest before moving to the Hopkins farm in South Ripley, NY and then Erie. She was a 1957 graduate of East High School and went on to Villa Maria College earning a degree in Early Childhood Education.
Rose spent her entire adult life fiercely advocating for women and children in need. She was a longtime caseworker at Family Services of Northwest PA, and then with SafeNet Erie. She touched hearts and changed lives. After a stroke robbed her of mobility, she soldiered on for another 20 years living independently, working and continuing her mission. Rose served as an example of selfless service to all of us and we are a better community for it.
A voracious reader, Rose was never without a book. Her television sat idle for years, she preferred her radio, usually tuned to WQLN. Classical and Jazz music were her preferences. She enjoyed poetry and a good game of Scrabble or Rummikub. Her house was filled with art and the walls covered with pictures of friends and family.
She was a life member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Erie.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a sister in law- Diane Letizo Hopkins, brother-in-law- Pete Boothe, and her dear “sister” and next door neighbor of 50 years Phyllis Schumacher.
She is survived by 2 sons, Jeffrey Barr of Erie and David Barr (Theresa) of Branchburg, NJ, 4 Grandsons- Brandon and Zachary Barr of Erie and Liam and Evan Barr of Branchburg, NJ, her brother, Richard “Skip” Hopkins of Erie, her sister, Sandra Hopkins Boothe of Columbus OH ,“adopted” daughter Beverly Siegfried and her children, her “Girl Fridays” Edna Van Bockern and Erika Aviles, dear friends Sandy Tanner and Herta Danowski and several aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
In keeping with Rose’s wishes there will be no viewing. A memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced.
Private internment in Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are handled by the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home, Inc. 5000 Wattsburg Rd. Memorial contributions can be made to SafeNet Erie, PO Box 1436, Erie PA 16512.