Maureen H. Little

Las Vegas lost a legend on 1/13/2021.

Maureen was born December 12, 1933, to Anna and James Hopkins in Glendale, New York. Born to be in the spotlight, she followed her dream of becoming a professional dancer, appearing in Broadway shows such as Destry Rides Again, Coco, Guys and Dolls, Carousel, Cabaret, and Lil Abner, where she met the love of her life, Terence Little. Maureen and Terry were married at St Malachy’s Actors’ Chapel in New York after filming the movie Lil Abner. Her other credits include being a June Taylor Dancer on The Jackie Gleason Show, dancing on both The Jimmy Dean Show and The Ed Sullivan Show (including dancing alongside Nancy Sinatra for “These Boots Are Made For Walking”.) She was a recipient of the Legacy Robe (former Gypsy Robe) and was cast as a member of The Milliken Shows for numerous years.

In 1971, Terry declared they were moving from New York to Vegas and although she did not want to leave New York, Maureen quickly made a new life for herself and her family out west. In 1973, two weeks after her 5th child was born, Maureen was asked to escort Charlie Rich on and off stage when his main dancer, The Most Beautiful Girl in the World, came down sick and they needed a replacement - a quick study, Maureen performed that evening without a hitch. As an actress, Maureen can still be seen on TV in reruns of Vegas and Crime Story. In 1986, Liberace asked her to perform a waltz for his show, and despite all the other jewels that Liberace had on stage, Maureen managed to add a little extra sparkle.

A woman ahead of her time, “Hoppy” balanced her family with a career with Maureen Hopkins Talent Agency, producing and creating events for Las Vegas casinos and supplying talent for special events throughout the valley. Successful as she was, it was never about making a buck - her main goal was always to employ as many people as she could.

In addition to her work and love for the stage, there were many other things Maureen enjoyed doing in her free time. She was always willing to pack up in a second and go to Laguna Beach, or any beach for that matter just to put her toes in the ocean. She was proud to call herself a “hoofer” as her feet were never still and she was always ready to dance. Fashion was always at the forefront of Hoppy’s mind, and you could always guarantee she would be dressed to the 9’s. Her clothing was always shiny and bright, just like her personality and her big, beautiful smile.

While Maureen had an accomplished career, nothing was more important to her or made her more proud than her family. A mother of 5, and Godmother to many, Maureen loved her children, parents, brothers, sisters, grandchildren, and the many nieces, nephews, and cousins that came along with them. There was no place she’d rather be than at the Hopkins Family Reunion in the Catskill Mountains, NY, where she spent her youth. You didn’t have to be related to be part of her family - Maureen and Terry hosted many parties, open to all, throughout the years.

Maureen was always kind and had her sense of humor until the end. She is now dancing in Heaven alongside her husband “Terry” Little, her son Sean Little, her brother Jay, her sister Sheila, Kris, and an “A list” ensemble of others. She is survived by her brother Gerald Hopkins and her sister Anne (Ronnie) Horan, her children Kathleen Little-Bolotin (Brad), Patrick Little (Carrie), Brigid Little (Guy Griebel) and Seamus Little, and her grandchildren Nate (Paget), James, Brian, Lauren, Brendan, and Cooper, to whom she was the one and only “Momma Hoppy.”

Hoppy wouldn’t want to leave us without a proper party, so there will be a large celebration of life once it is safe to do so. The show must go on with private funeral services on 1/25 at 5:00 pm and mass on 1/26 at 10:00 am (all limited to invite only due to COVID-19). However, in true Hoppy fashion, she wouldn’t want you to miss out on her Show; all services will be livestreamed. We ask that you put on something fabulous, grab a glass of wine, and join us virtually to celebrate the wonderful life of Hoppy. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Maureenshope.org.

Monday 1/25 http://tinyurl.com/MLittle1 and Tuesday 1/26 http://tinyurl.com/MLittle2