Marion Elizabeth Brauns Hopper, 86, died at home on Saturday, March 3, 2018. A Requiem Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 10, 2018 at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church in Des Moines by Father Bradford Johnson, followed by burial at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines. A visitation with the family will be held at McLaren’s Funeral Chapel in West Des Moines Friday, March 9, 2018 from 5 – 7 p.m. with A Litany for the Departed at 7 p.m.
Marion was born in Chicago April 19, 1931 to Harry and Marion (Plambeck) Brauns. She graduated from Amundson High School and Western Illinois University where she met her future husband of 66 years, Merlin Hopper.
While Marion was known as the consummate English teacher, her beloved job was getting the family together – if not for one of the birthdays, then a holiday: Thanksgiving, Christmas, 4th of July, Groundhog’s Day – any holiday would do.
Marion was a founding member of St. Aidan’s Anglican Catholic Church. While she was never seen walking the mall, she hated missing an opportunity to meet the VWM Walkers for coffee. She will be missed by many friends and family.
Marion is survived by Merlin and her three children: Michael (Cecelia) Hopper of West Des Moines, Melissa (Thomas) Newbiggin of Surprise, Arizona, and Marie (Frank) Soda of Waukee. She is also survived by grandchildren: Tiffany (Chris) Vokt, Ryan Hopper, Matt Newbiggin, Katie (Todd) Kreamer, Melissa (Joseph) Cordaro, Mallory (Brandon) Camus and Elizabeth Soda (Chelsea Harris). In addition 10 ½ precious great grandchildren: Emma, Cole and Owen Schulte, Levi, Finley and Gus Vokt, Lilah Hopper Hedges, Catalina and Baby Boy Camus, and Enzo and Oscar Cordaro. She was preceded in death by her parents and beloved aunts and uncles.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Aidan’s Anglican Church.
