Gail Hopkins

Mida “Gail” Hopkins passed away on February 4, 2022 in Crystal Lake, surrounded by her loving family.

Gail was born in central Wisconsin to Raymond and Grace (Visger) Colby on December 18, 1934. She was the youngest of 5 children. She wed Alan Hopkins on June 18, 1955, at the Methodist Church in Crystal Lake, sharing almost 67 years of marriage. They were the first couple to exchange vows in the newly constructed Methodist Church on Crystal Lake Avenue.

Gail and Alan had 3 children, Scott, Shelly, and Brett, and raised their family in Crystal Lake.

Gail was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Keith, Jackman, and Eugene; and her sister, Mary.

She is survived by her husband Alan and her children, Scott (Sherry) Hopkins, Shelly (Paul) Hyland, and Brett (Tina) Hopkins. She was a loving grandmother to grandchildren, Jason (Melanie) Hopkins, Alex Hopkins, Kaleigh (Kenny) Horney, Andrew Hyland (Angela Lottes), Bradley (Carly) Hyland, Matthew (Kylene) Hopkins, Maxwell (Allie) Hopkins, Madeline Hopkins, and Mitchell Hopkins. Gail was blessed with 7 great-grandchildren,  Aurora, Annabelle, Cameron, Emmett, Holland, Scottlyn, and Theodore.

Gail’s paternal family (the Colby and Jackman families) have deep historical roots in Crystal Lake. Her father, Raymond, developed Colby Home Estates naming the streets after his 5 children, (Keith Ave, Eugene St., Jackman Dr., Mary Lane, and Gail Court). Gail was a graduate of Crystal Lake High School and a member of the Methodist Church (now First Church) where she exhibited an early talent as a soloist in the church choir. Following her music passion, Gail attended Northern Illinois Teacher College (now Northern Illinois University) where she pursued a music education degree and continued advanced vocal training of her beautiful, soprano voice. She was a sought-after soloist in her college community and beyond. While raising her family, Gail continued to enjoy singing for weddings and being part of her church choir family.

Gail enjoyed reading, quilting, decorating, and soaking in the sun on hot summer days. She was active in the Crystal Lake community, her church, and she volunteered at her children’s’ schools and clubs. Gail also had a soft spot in her heart for animals, great and small, and welcomed many rescued pets into her home. She was a tiny woman with a mighty personality that suited her trademark, red hair. Most of all, Gail loved her family. She was a wonderful mother, and she particularly cherished her role as Grandmother and “Nana”, never missing an opportunity to spoil her grandchildren.

A memorial celebration of Gail’s life will be arranged at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Assisi Animal Foundation, P.O. Box 143, Crystal Lake, IL 60039-0143 or the Choir of First Church Crystal Lake, 236 West Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake, IL 60014.