Therese Hopkins

Sadly, our beloved Therese Marie Etzel Hopkins, of Blue Springs, MO, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025, at the age of 69, with her family by her side. Therese was known for her warm smile and contagious laughter. She brought joy to everyone whose path she crossed. Therese was born on February 16, 1956, to Richard and Ruth Eileen (Stein) Etzel in Topeka, KS. She was married at Assumption Catholic Church in Topeka in 1973 to former spouse, Ron Hopkins, and was the devoted and treasured mother of two children, Joseph Stephen and Marie Therese. Therese retired from SWBT/SBC after a successful 35-year career, where she mentored countless associates and made lifelong friends. Therese cherished spending time with her family, pets, and friends. She loved long talks, whistling and gardening, road trips and singing in the car. She loved watching the Chiefs and the Royals, and would gleefully watch a Great Blue Heron stand still for hours. She loved meteor showers and chasing eclipses, both solar and lunar. She loved witnessing bird migrations and experiencing the changing seasons. Therese treasured all things nature: the rocks and streams, the flowers and trees, animals - big and small, clouds, one and all. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Ruth Eileen (Stein) Etzel, stepmother Maurine (Openshaw McDonald) Etzel, brother Richard Terry Etzel, (Karen Tallman) of Tucson AZ, sister Deborah (Debbie) Kay Etzel Arroyo (Greg) of Missouri City, TX, and baby brother Gregory Joseph. Therese is survived by her son Joseph Stephen; daughter Marie Therese; siblings Robert Eugene Etzel (Meggan) of Lawrence, KS, Mary Ann Etzel Marshall (Steve) of Topeka KS; and stepbrother Randy McDonald (Bethann) Washington, UT; nieces, nephews, cousins; and many friends. Therese will be remembered as the most loving, kind, generous, and thoughtful person. She was also hilarious. Therese was the best mother, the heart and soul of our family, and her laughter will echo across the ages. She is desperately missed by her children and her absence deeply felt by all who knew and loved her. She is forever in our hearts. Visitation will be on Monday, March 31, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. when the rosary will be prayed. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Inurnment will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society or the American Heart Association and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Therese Hopkins

February 16, 1956 - March 15, 2025