December 5, 1946 - May 17, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Roberta Ann Hopkins on May 17, 2025, at the age of 78. A devoted mother, loving grandmother, loyal sister, and cherished friend, Roberta passed away peacefully with her children by her side, following a long and courageous battle with cancer and dementia.
Born on December 5, 1946, at Grace Hospital in Vancouver, B.C., Roberta grew up in the Lower Mainland, living in Vancouver, New Westminster, and Burnaby. She attended John Robinson and 2nd Street School for elementary, Windsor Elementary for grades five and six, McPherson Junior High in South Burnaby, and completed high school at Lester Pearson in New Westminster. In later years, she lived in Terrace, Port Coquitlam, Westlock (Alberta), before settling in Sechelt, where she spent 30 years. Two years ago, Roberta moved to Kelowna for additional care and to be close to her daughter, Carolyn.
Roberta loved sports and was an active participant in school life. She sang in the Burnaby South High School choir and was a backup singer in The Wizard of Oz. She was a fierce goalie in grass hockey, a great runner, and took up skiing in her early twenties. Her sense of adventure extended far beyond the slopes. Roberta loved to travel and was never afraid to go it alone. Her first trip to Europe saw her finishing the journey solo across France after her travel companion returned home early. Roberta was strongly independent. She made many trips abroad, covering Germany, Italy, England, Scotland, Mexico, and all over the USA. She also went on many cruises with friends and family over the years, covering the Mediterranean, Central America, Caribbean, Hawaii, and Pacific Coast.
Roberta’s career was equally diverse. She began as a Bank Teller at RBC in Vancouver, then worked at the Bank Clearing House downtown. In Terrace, while pursuing her accounting coursework, she worked at an accounting office. Later in life, she worked as a Bookkeeper for Sechelt School Bus and was even a Housekeeping Aide at Shorncliffe Care Home. Always diligent, she took pride in every role she held.
Roberta became a mother later in life, and from that moment on, her world revolved around her children, Robert and Carolyn. She poured every ounce of her energy into their upbringing, never missing a game, a practice, or a school event. She volunteered on school PACs, organized rides, hosted exchange students from around the globe, and created a home that was always open — a true gathering place.
Roberta had a strong and lasting circle of close friends she stayed connected with over the years, travelled with, and gathered with regularly. She valued those friendships deeply and made time for them, whether it was long walks along the seawall, stopping to chat with those she knew along the way, or spending afternoons at the Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre. She loved music, dancing, and staying active, participating in the Centre’s Line Dancing, Square Dancing, and Aerobics classes, and enjoying their social lunches with friends. Her generosity and sincerity made her easy to be around, and her laughter was a constant. She lived with optimism and determination, carrying a love for her friends and family that shaped every part of her life.
She is predeceased by her parents, Sophie Jean and James Garton Smith, and her brother Doug. She is survived by her beloved children, Robert (Breen) and Carolyn (Dylan); her grandchildren Reed, Kade, Arya, Blake, and Jack; her siblings Beth Chernowski, Pete (Bev) Smith, and Ken (Joy) Smith; and countless friends who became family along the way.
Roberta leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and kindness. She instilled in her children the values of independence, hard work, and perseverance, teaching them to face life’s challenges with strength and determination.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre, 5604 TRAIL AVENUE, SECHELT, BC, on TUESDAY, July 15, 2025, at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honour to BC Cancer Foundation, www.bccancerfoundation.com, or BC’s Alzheimer’s Society, www.alzheimer.ca/bc.
She will be deeply missed, but we find comfort in knowing she can rest in peace, and her memory will live on in all of us. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/hopkins-roberta-ann/
