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Julia Elizabeth Svelmoe Hopkins
b. March 7, 1918
d. August 29, 2006

The woman I knew best as “grandma”, Julia Elizabeth Svelmoe Hopkins passed away sometime last night and went home to be with Jesus and those in her family who went before her. Her passing was not unexpected… she had a heart condition that reared itself a few years ago and then about 2 years ago she had a stroke that left her with aphasia and weakened her to the point of mandatory bedrest. She did not seem happy to be in this condition, so mom and I (and grandpa) are relieved she’s not suffering anymore. We had seen some more significant decline in the last week or so as she had stopped eating after recovering from a cold. Mom figures (and I tend to agree) that grandma was always a strong-willed woman and if she had decided she had had enough (likely the case), that was it. I was fortunate to have seen her Saturday and told her I loved her. And she had multiple occasions on which she got to see and hold her great-granddaughter.

Mom and I visited with grandpa this morning and he seems to be doing alright… acknowledging that it may hit him harder later today or sometime in the next couple days. There were married for 61 years, 11 months.

I have lots of fond memories of grandma… this will serve as a standing thread where I can collect some of these in writing…

• Grandma Judy (as I called her) was the default babysitter for me growing up. I was probably over there at least a couple times a week (mom may correct me on this). But it was always a fun time and she spoiled me silly.
• We always spent Christmas Eve at grandma’s while I was growing up. I always looked forward to this (as most kids do) not just because of the presents, but because of the excellent meals grandma made… especially the mashed potatoes.