Bernice Hopp

Bernice was born in Coleman Hospital, IU Med Center, to the late Helen (Koerner) Boucher and George Boucher. She grew up in Irvington and attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and School. Following graduation from St. Mary’s Academy in 1950, she attended St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana. She majored in Nutrition and Science. Following graduation in 1954, she served her dietetic internship in St. Louis University Hospitals.

During summers, while in college, Bernice worked in the Employees Cafeteria, L.S. Ayres and Company and in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the IU Medical Center. In 1955, she returned to IU Med Center to begin a career spanning 46 years. She received her Master’s Degree from Indiana University.

Bernice was a Life Member of the American Dietetic Association (ADA), a member of the Indiana Dietetic Association and the Central District Dietetic Association.

As Assistant Professor, IU School of Medicine and Director of Food Production and Management, Bernice wrote the menus for the hospital and the cafeteria, as well as directed purchasing and production. Her work and dedication resulted in nutritious and delicious food for patients and cafeteria patrons. Annual trips to the ADA meetings and the National Restaurant trade shows in Chicago, resulted in the purchase of new equipment which brought new innovations and “treats” to the Department including homemade bread, cappuccino and IU coffee mugs.

Along with the Little Red Door, Bernice and the Department conducted a field test which ultimately led to the development of the Meals on Wheels Program.

Bernice planned the annual picnic menu for the IU School of Medicine which featured strawberry shortcake.

She enjoyed teaching many classes of dietetic interns and undergraduate students enrolled in IUPUI evening classes. In 1984, along with dietetic interns, the IU COOKBOOK, QUANTITY and HOMESIZE RECIPES was compiled.

Bernice was a Life Member of the Indianapolis Day Nursery having served as Treasurer and Co-President.

On June 11, 1982 she married James J. Hopp in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Dietetic interns and employees were among the guests. Strawberry shortcake was featured under a festive tent.

Following retirement in December of 1996, she became a member of the Proctor Club of Indianapolis and served as Secretary and President. Additionally, she was a member of the Executive Service Club which mentored high school students in Indianapolis.

Bernice and Jim enjoyed travel in the United States and abroad. In 2010, they became residents of Marquette in a cottage by the pond. She served as President of the Board of the Catholic Chapel of Marquette and directed services for the Chapel.

Survivors include a cousin, Victor C. Koerner, wife Claudia, his son, Jonathan, wife Hanna, grandchildren, Addie and Owen, sister-in-law, Rita Boucher, nephew, Patrick Boucher, niece Julie Moore, stepchildren, Teresa Stark, husband Kevin, Michael Hopp, Jeffrey Hopp, sister-in-law, Barbara Hopp Curtis, husband, Jim and John Hopp, wife Ann.

David G. Boucher, brother, preceded her in death.

Other family include: Thomas and Kathleen Jeffers family, Patrick and Ann Jeffers Family, Timothy and Chris Jeffers Family, Paul and Maureen Derwent Family, the Michael and Kim Jeffers Family, the Ben and Kate Schreiber Family, Phyllis Spanier and Donna Gay Chambly.

Services are entrusted to Leppert Mortuaries, Nora.

A special thank you to Phyllis Spanier, Kathy Sheehan, Donna Gay Chambly, Kristine Mains, the nursing staff at St. Vincent’s Hospital and the nursing staff at Marquette Manor Health Care Center, who provided care to Bernice in her final days.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 7th at 10:00 a.m. in St. Luke Catholic Church, 7575 Holiday Drive East. Friends are invited to gather one hour before mass. Interment to follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Contributions to her memory may be made to the Catholic Chapel of Marquette.