Martha E. Hopkins

Martha Elizabeth Hopkins, 87, of Bel Air, Maryland, passed away on February 23, 2016 at the Senator Bob Hooper Hospice House in Forest Hill. She was the daughter of the late Preston B. and Ella Mae Jordan Hilditch. Born in Mechanicsville, just north of Bel Air, she graduated from Dublin High School in 1947. After high school she was employed as a telephone operator and worked the local switchboard from the phone company office then located on Hickory Ave and later on Hayes St. in Bel Air. In 1962, she was credited with saving the life of a child who had been badly burned in a fire. The child had called the switchboard for help. Upon answering the call Martha tried to calm the child but during the conversation the child hung up. Fortunately, the child called back moments later. Martha, who used her resources to track the phone number, located the address and was able to get help to the child. Though seriously burned the child survived and Martha later visited the child in the hospital.

In 1956, she married the late Harry E. (Buddy) Hopkins, Jr. whom she met while he was visiting family in the same housing development where they eventually bought a home and raised their children. Together they enjoyed their extended families, day trips and vacationing along with attending the many functions sponsored by the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company of which Buddy was an active member.

In 1964, she left the phone company to be a stay-at-home mom. However, she soon began working part-time at the Bel Air Bowl Nursery and Restaurant and remained there for 35 years until the business closed in 1998. In 1988, she took a second part-time job in the nursery at the Bel Air Athletic Club working there until 2008 when she retired. Working between both nurseries she developed many friendships and saw many "Bel Air" kids grow from childhood to adulthood. She thoroughly enjoyed taking care of the children, was well-loved by all of the families and fondly remembered by those families throughout the years.
Throughout her life, Martha was very devoted to her family. Widowed at a young age she took great pride in raising her two sons. Deeply fond of her four grandsons she was extremely proud of their school and athletic accomplishments. She loved the community of Bel Air and lived in Howard Park for 60 years. An ardent baseball fan, she rarely missed an Orioles game and enjoyed watching her youngest son play baseball in high school, college and semi-pro leagues.

Martha and her family were very devoted life-long members of St. Margaret's Church belonging to the Legion of Mary, Sodality, and attending First Friday's for Senior's. She routinely attended 4pm services on Saturday always sitting in the front row.
Martha is survived by two sons, Harry Edward (Eddie) Hopkins III of Bel Air, and Philip David Hopkins and wife Lori of Forest Hill. She is also survived by grandsons Christopher Edward Hopkins, Robert Franklin Hopkins, Daniel Mark Hopkins, and Jake Ryan Hopkins, along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Bernard P. Hilditch Sr., her sister Mary Regina Adams, and her identical twin sister Frances Margaret Hopkins.

Pallbearers will be Christopher Hopkins, Robert Hopkins, Daniel Hopkins, Michael Comeaux, Dr. Paul Chizmar, Charles Hopkins, Bernard Hilditch and Jake Hopkins.

In lieu of flowers those who desire may make a donation to St. Margaret's Church at 141 N. Hickory Ave., Bel Air or the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company, 109 S. Hickory Ave., Bel Air, Maryland 21014.