In Memory: Ann Demetreou Hopkins, Age 92
Ann Demetreou Hopkins, 92, passed away peacefully at her home in Rye, NY, on February 9, 2025, surrounded by her family.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Ann graduated from West High School in 1950, and cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Flora Stone Mather College at Case Western Reserve University in 1954. She later completed the Harvard-Radcliffe Program in Business Administration.
In 1960, Ann married Dr. Robert West Hopkins at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, and dedicated herself to raising her family, caring for her aging mother in her home, volunteering, and supporting the arts. In 1970, she and her family moved from Cleveland to Milton, MA, where she lived for the next 54 years. In 2023, she moved to Rye, NY to be closer to her two children and grandchildren, joining her daughter and son-in-law in their home on the campus of Rye Country Day School.
Ann (affectionately called “Yiayia” by her grandchildren) was best known for her sharp intellect, droll humor, curiosity, open-mindedness, generosity, and loyalty to family and friends. She was an active member of numerous organizations, serving on the boards of the Milton Visiting Nurse and Social Service League and the Radcliffe Club of Boston. She chaired the Milton Academy Girls’ School Parents Committee, and served on several parent committees at Harvard University. She also worked as a docent at the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse in Boston.
Ann had a lifelong passion for learning, literature, travel, and theater. In her 60s, she completed graduate coursework in Medical Anthropology at Brown University. In her 80s, she bought her first iPhone and Apple Watch, and quickly became adept at texting, Facetime, Google, Facebook and Zoom. She was able to remain connected to family and friends, stay current, and—most importantly–continue participating virtually in her two favorite book groups. Some of her fondest memories were of traveling the world with her husband, daughters, and their families, visiting destinations such as Abu Simbel, Machu Picchu, Amsterdam, Istanbul, and Angkor Wat, and carrying home her unique finds. She and her husband were longtime supporters of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the American Repertory Theater, the Roundabout Theatre Company, and the Joyce Theater, among others. They also enjoyed fringe theater and experimental performance art well into their 80s.
Ann was predeceased by her husband in 2016. She is survived by her daughters, Mary Ann Hopkins (Michael Kontonotas) and Elizabeth Dunn (Randall); grandchildren, Hunter and Chasey; and a wide circle of family and friends who will miss her deeply.
A private family memorial service will be held in late May at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Doctors Without Borders , Rye Country Day School (please specify “Financial Aid”), or the American Repertory Theater.
