Ann Hopkins, 87, of Dallas, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 2, 2024, during one of her favorite pastimes—listening to a thunder and lightning storm—at Meadows Nursing, surrounded by her family. After her passing, she sent a double rainbow to her loved ones.
Ann was the daughter of the late Alfred and Margaret Houck. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Louis Forte; her brother, Robert Houck; and her stepdaughter, Cheryl Hopkins.
Ann is survived by her sister, Laverne Berger of Staten Island, NY, and her second husband of 34 years, John Hopkins of Dallas. She leaves behind five children: Louis Forte and his wife, Carrie Podcasy, of Wilkes Barre Twp.; Debra Thomas and her husband, Jim, of Sweet Valley; Donna Forte of Perkiomenville; Robert Forte and his wife, Kim, of Forest Hill, MD; and Deanna Forte Lahey and her husband, Jim, of Shavertown. She is also survived by one stepchild, John Hopkins, and his wife, Chrissy, of Luzerne. Ann had numerous grandchildren, including Josh Thomas, and his wife, Melissa; Mark Thomas; Anthony Forte; Carina Forte; Samantha Forte; and Katie Forte; as well as a step-grandchild, Don Hopkins, and his wife, Teri, and a great-grandchild, Johnathan Hopkins. Additionally, Ann was an aunt to several nieces and nephews; and a foster parent to over a dozen children.
Ann attended New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn, New York, and attended business school after graduation. Ann grew up in both New York and Dallas, Pennsylvania. She had a professional career but spent the last 30 years of retirement traveling the world with her husband. Ann particularly enjoyed visiting Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Ann and John cherished their summer home on the Susquehanna River, where they spent many days fishing and relaxing by the fire, hosting family events, and enjoying the company of their children and grandchildren.
With her first husband, Lou, Ann moved their five children from Brooklyn, New York, to Dallas, Pennsylvania. They were animal lovers, keeping dogs, cats, geese, rabbits, and even a pony. Her children and grandchildren carried forward her compassion toward animals and animal rescue. Ann had a passion for the outdoors and fast cars, and during her life, she was a motorcyclist. She was an avid hunter who climbed Noxen Mountain every year. Her sons remember her determination, never wanting them to slow down for her, even if it meant falling into a snowbank with her feet sticking up before asking for help.
Ann loved gardening and cooking, hosting every holiday at her home and becoming known for her extravagant Christmas celebrations. Her homemade pasta sauce ("gravy"), eggplant parmesan, meatballs, and antipasto filled her home with family, laughter, and celebration. Ann's favorite pastime was sitting on her porch, listening to the rain with her family—a tradition her grown children continue to cherish in her memory.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the Meadows Nursing staff for their care and kindness over the past two months.
Funeral service will be held, Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 11:00 AM from The Richard H. Disque Funeral Home, Inc., 2940 Memorial Highway, Dallas, PA. Friends may call Wednesday from 10:00 Am until time of service. Interment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or online at stjude.org.
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)
Richard H. Disque Funeral Home
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
11:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
Richard H. Disque Funeral Home
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