Vivian Marlene Hopkins

Vivian Marlene Hopkins, 72, of Chandler, Arizona passed away early Tuesday morning, July 13, 2010. She was born June 14, 1938 in Norwalk, Ohio to the late Herman B. and Marian Kearney of Norwalk, Ohio. Vivian’s passion was children, and because of that she worked many years in the Grace Community Church’s nursery caring for the very young. Many lovingly referred her to as “Grandma” as she was always actively involved with her children, grandchildren, and anyone else’s children that passed through her life. Vivian loved her family and friends and was never happier than when they were all together. She loved to cook and bake; and knew everyone’s favorites, the problem was she made you eat it even if you weren’t hungry and then wanted you to eat until all the food was gone. Which as you know was impossible. She loved working puzzles and playing games with the kids. Her top priority was always family, especially her grandkids. Vivian is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, James; and her children: Cinda and Richard Drinkard of Huntsville, Alabama, Marlene and Jerry Castle of Queen Creek, Arizona, and Sandra and Michael Grolle of Chandler, Arizona, and James Cabanas of Rocklin, California; and by her grandchildren: James Herrera, Jason Taylor, Amber Herrera, Sean Hopkins, Austin Grolle, Alexander Grolle, Melissa Drinkard, David Castle, and Bradley Castle.

She is also survived by her loving family: Delores (sister) and Glenn Smith, Ernie (brother) and Maude Kearney, Howard (brother) and Barb Kearney, Ruth Smith (sister-in-law), Lillie Smith (sister-in-law), Virginia Nolan (sister-in-law), Jake (brother-in-law) and Judy Smith, Juanita Little (sister-in-law), Claudette Smith (sister-in-law), Donna Beth (sister-in-law) and James Anderson; and preceded in death by her brothers and sister-in-laws: Bob, and Edna Kearney, Ted and Mildred Kearney and Ray and Vera Kearney; and her sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Dusty Rhodes; and brothers-in-law: Archie, Billy, and Don Smith and Fred Nolan.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 16, from 6pm to 9pm and Funeral Services on Saturday, July 17, at 10:00 am, at Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery, 10940 East Chandler Heights Road, Chandler, Arizona 85248. Reverend Debra Berry, Vivian’s niece will officiate as her last gift to her loving Aunt.

Memorial contributions can be made to Blake’s Miracle, www.blakesmiracle.org or mail to Blake’s Miracle, 2725 West Guadalupe Road, Mesa, Arizona, 85202 or at any Wells Fargo Bank to Blake’s Miracle Benefit Memorial Fund.

Arrangements under the direction of Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, Chandler, AZ.