Vinalhaven — Ellen Burgess Hopkins, 89, passed away peacefully, Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Jean and Frank Thompson. At the time of her death a brilliant sunset blessed her passing.

She was born on Vinalhaven, Dec. 2, 1923, the daughter of Hollis A. and Leila Tolman Burgess. She was a graduate of Vinalhaven High School and the Bangor School of Commerce (now Husson College). Upon her graduation from BSC, she returned to Vinalhaven to work as a bookkeeper for Burnham and Morrill Fish Plant where her father was manager. When her husband bought a boat yard, she set up and kept books for his business, Hopkins Boatyard, continuing in that position for her sons into her 80s.

Ellen was a longtime member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Senior Extension, Order of the Eastern Star, and the Union Church Circle. She served as a Union Church Sunday School teacher and work on Meals on Wheels for many years.

She married Murray Bradstreet Hopkins, the one and only love of her life, in November, 1946. They had three children.

She was the consummate daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. Family was everything to her and she was devoted to all within this circle. She loved preparing meals for her loved ones, especially school day lunches for her grandchildren.

She is survived by her son, Kevin Hopkins and his wife Than; her daughter, Jean Thompson and her husband Frank; her son, Hollis Hopkins and his wife Denise; her grandchildren, Haven Stone and her husband Chris, Kevin E. Hopkins and his wife Maryann, Sarah Poole and her husband Harold, Jacob Thompson and his wife Samantha, Murray Thompson and his fiancée Celena Scott, Philip Hopkins, and Nathan Hopkins; seven great-grandchildren, Isaac and Mikael Stone, Ruby and Mitchell Hopkins, Javin Poole, Chad and Heidi Guilford; several nieces, nephews and cousins, including special nieces, Bette, Peggy, Susan and Janet.

She was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband, Murray and her brothers, Hollis T. and Gordon L. Burgess.

The family is deeply grateful for the loving care shown to her by Jen Desmond and Kno-Wal-Lin nurses Larry and Laura.

A graveside service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Island Community Medical Center or Vinalhaven Ambulance, 15 Medical Center Loop, Vinalhaven, ME 04863.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland, ME 04841. To share a memory or condolence with Mrs. Hopkins’ family, please visit her Book of Memories at bchfh.com.