Donna Kay Hopkins

Donna Kay Hopkins (Née Bowles), 77, of Warren, NH, passed away unexpectedly on August 12, 2024. Born on August 31, 1946, in Lunenburg, MA, Donna was the cherished daughter of the late Don and Eleanor (Née Butterfield) Bowles. She was the beloved wife of Kevin Hopkins, with whom she shared 52 years of devoted marriage.

Donna is survived by her two children, Cathy West and her husband Jeff of Hooksett, NH, and Brian Hopkins and his wife Jennifer of Mechanicsville, MD. She was a proud and loving Nana to her four grandchildren: Jacob West, Hayden West, Taylor Hopkins, and Carter Hopkins. She is also survived by her siblings, Scott Bowles and his wife Leitha of Temple Terrace, FL, Paul Bowles and his wife Beth of Northfield, VT, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

As the daughter of a military family, Donna's early years were marked by travel, an experience that culminated in her graduation from Vicenza American High School in Italy. This unique upbringing ignited a lifelong commitment to supporting those who served in the military, leading to her 34-year involvement with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). She held various positions, including Secretary of the Haverhill Memorial VFW Auxiliary, and was a proud member of the NH VFW Auxiliary Department Credentials Committee.

While raising her beloved children, Donna pursued her nursing degree with fierce determination. Her passion for helping others led her to a fulfilling career at Woodsville Hospital and later at the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton, where she cared for countless patients with compassion and dedication. After many years of service, Donna retired, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and selflessness in her work. Her dedication to service extended into her community in Warren, NH, where she was an active volunteer. She participated in the Fast Squad (rescue squad), helped out at the Prouty bike ride to benefit the Dartmouth Cancer Center, assisted with Meals on Wheels, penny socials and bingo. She also was involved in the Warren Town offices, served as a Supervisor of the Checklist (voter checklist), and the Historical Society. She was always there to make a meal for her friends or anyone who might need one in addition to many other community contributions. Her unwavering passion for community service and her boundless generosity left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

Donna found immense joy in being a Nana, always cheering on her grandchildren in all of their endeavors, adventures and experiences. She eagerly traveled to spend time with them, never missing an opportunity to create cherished memories. She was a lifelong New York Yankees baseball fan and enjoyed watching professional golf. She also had a love for travel and enjoyed meeting new friends on casino trips throughout the years, to Atlantic City, Lake Tahoe and New Orleans to name a few, embracing life with a sense of adventure.

Her passing is a profound loss, deeply felt by her family and the many friends who loved her dearly. She took care of herself by taking care of others. A celebration of Donna’s life will be held at the Warren, NH Town Hall at 19 Water St on October 26, 2024, from 11 am to 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the VFW Auxiliary 5245, Attn: Bonnie Burroughs, 14 Wildwood Road, Woodsville, NH 03785, an organization that was close to Donna's heart.