Madeline Hopkins

In Loving Memory of Ethel Madeline Hopkins November 18, 1931 – October 9, 2025

Madeline Hopkins was a woman of steadfast faith, quiet strength, and boundless love. She was called home to the Lord on October 9, 2025, passing peacefully and surrounded by twelve members of her adoring family, a number beautifully symbolic of her devotion to Christ and His twelve apostles.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on November 18, 1931, to Andrew and Blanche (Lynch) Welsh, Madeline was one of seven children. From her earliest days, her life was marked by devotion, discipline, and service. She treated her body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, faithfully tending to her health through exercise, prayer, and gratitude for each day’s blessings.

Madeline’s life was a living testimony of quiet fortitude, humor, and humble service. She married Milton “Hoppie” Hopkins III, on July 23, 1949, in Kimmswick, Missouri. Together they built not only a beautiful family but also a legacy rooted in faith, perseverance, and integrity. Through all of life’s joys and challenges, Madeline remained a steady and joyful presence—her faith an anchor and her spirit a source of light for those around her. She guided her children by example, instilling in them the same enduring love of God that shaped her own life.

With humility, wit, and grace, she stood beside her husband through every endeavor from opening their filling station at dawn to operating towing companies, marinas, and even launching a 31-foot Trojan Cruiser into the Mississippi River beneath the Arch while her husband captained at the helm. Her tireless work ethic, resilience, and constant presence helped lay the foundation for Truck Centers, Inc., a family business that continues to flourish 55 years later under Hopkins family leadership.

A devoted parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Cottleville, Missouri, Madeline drew her strength and joy from her relationship with God. Her days were anchored in prayer, the sacraments, and the Holy Mass, which she loved deeply. She lived as a true steward of God’s gifts, sharing His love and grace through generosity, compassion, and quiet acts of service.

Madeline’s faith was deep, but her spirit was light. She had a keen sense of humor that was clever, spirited, and seasoned with just the right amount of sarcasm to remind everyone around her that holiness and humor can beautifully coexist.

Whether volunteering at her parish, supporting her community, or comforting friends and family, she reflected the light of Christ in both word and deed. Her life beautifully echoed the words of Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

Madeline was preceded in death by her husband, Milton John Hopkins III; their daughter, Charlotte (Tom) Grady; her parents, Andrew and Blanche Welsh; and siblings Phyllis DeGonia, Lillian DeGonia, Maxine Boschert, Patrick Welsh, Margaret Eiseman, and Blanche Preston.

She is survived by her adoring children, John (Michele) Hopkins, Linda (Gary) Bingaman, Mary (Doral) Witt, Paul (Gina) Hopkins, and Sandra Hopkins; nineteen grandchildren; twenty-six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Each was a treasured blessing and a reflection of her enduring love, faith, and guidance.

Her family will forever remember her radiant smile, welcoming spirit, and constant devotion to both faith and family. No matter what name she was called—Madeline, Lindy, Mom, Grandma, or Nana—she was the heartbeat of her family, a matriarch whose example of perseverance, humility, and grace shaped generations. Her legacy will continue to shine through the lives of those she loved and the community she so faithfully served.

Her presence will be deeply missed, yet her spirit remains a comforting reminder of a life beautifully lived in faith, love, and purpose.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Baue Funeral Home - Cave Springs in St. Charles, Missouri, as well as a wake at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, preceding the Mass of Christian Burial with Father Joe Martin presiding at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Charles Memorial Gardens.

Mrs. Hopkins’ faith was the cornerstone of her life, bringing her peace, comfort, and joy. The family welcomes all to join in celebrating the Holy Mass she so deeply cherished to honor her life, her love, and her eternal rest in Christ. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School-Cottleville or Queen of All Saints St. Vincent de Paul Conference, honoring Mrs. Hopkins’ lifelong spirit of faith and service.

Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis 4431 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108

Baue Funeral Home & Cemetery 3950 West Clay Street, Saint Charles, MO 63301

“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23

Donations in honor of Madeline Hopkins may be made to: St. Joseph Catholic School 1351 Motherhead Road Cottleville, MO 63304 Queen of All Saints St. Vincent de Paul Conference 6603 Christopher Drive St. Louis, MO 63129