Edna Hoppy Hopkins

Edna "Hoppy" Hopkins, 89, passed away peacefully in San Antonio, Texas, on September 15, 2019, after battling oral cancer for several years. She was predeceased by her parents Rolla Valentine Hopkins and Edna Carolyn (Fogt) Hopkins as well as six siblings. Never married, she is survived by her loving nieces, Madeline Merkl of Pittsford, NY, and Linda Gamel of Albuquerque, NM, and their families. Edna began her nursing career in 1950 as a surgical nurse. She entered the U.S. Air Force in 1958 and retired, after a distinguished career, as a Colonel in 1984. While on active duty, she flew Medical Air Evac during the Viet Nam War and also was on the nursing team for NASA's Apollo 11 mission. She served in various assignments throughout the world and finished her career as Head Operating Room Nurse, Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, in charge of 29 operating rooms. She was a founding member of the Society of Retired Air Force Nurses in 1986 and served as its first Treasurer.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019

3:00 P.M.

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2019

10:45 A.M.

FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VITAS Healthcare Hospice of San Antonio. A special thank you to Dr. Richard K. Newman and Dr. Gilbert M. Ruiz of ENT Clinics of San Antonio as well as Visiting Angels and VITAS Healthcare for their care and compassion.