Sandra L. "Sandy" Hopkins

Sandra L. “Sandy” Hopkins (nee Schmidt), of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away Friday, August 28, 2026, at the age of 75. Beloved wife of Lyman “Hoppy” A. Hopkins; cherished daughter of the late by Clarence I. and Ruth Marie Schmidt; devoted mother of Shauna (Scott) Larson, Brian M. (Amanda Drilling) Grote, Scott M. (Rebecca) Hopkins, and the late Amy Elizabeth Moore; loving grandmother of by Megan Grote, Dylan Larson, Brianna Moore, and Chelsea Moore; dear sister of Dennis (Kathi) Schmidt, Kathy Grotegeers, Judy (Nathan) Lee, and sister-in-law of Terry Hopkins; precious aunt, cousin, and friend.

Sandy was a devoted wife to Hoppy, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose greatest gift was making everyone she met feel welcome, valued, and loved. She had a rare ability to make you feel as though you had known her forever, even if you had just met. Sandy was a true "yes" person, always ready for an adventure, a new experience, a new place, or a new person to welcome into her life.

She loved to travel, meet new people, cook, host gatherings, attend and host yard sales, and spend time with her beloved dogs. For more than 30 years, Sandy and Hoppy opened their home to foreign exchange students from around the world. Many became lifelong friends and part of her family, so much so that Sandy traveled to Brazil and Poland to visit some of her favorites. Distance never diminished the place they held in her heart.

Family was at the center of Sandy's world, and she treasured every moment with her grandchildren. Whether traveling somewhere new or simply exploring a local farmers' market, she loved creating memories with them. She especially enjoyed bringing people together around her table, where there was always room for one more. Her Christmas cookies became a beloved tradition, lovingly made and shared with everyone. For Sandy, sharing food, laughter, experiences, and time together was one of the greatest ways to show love.

Sandy had an extraordinary ability to turn strangers into friends and friends into family. Once you were welcomed into her life, you were loved as one of her own. Her warmth, generosity. curiosity, and joy for life touched countless people around the world.

Sandy leaves behind a legacy not measured in accomplishments or possessions, but in people, the many lives made better simply because they knew her. She made the world feel a little more like home for everyone who crossed her path.

She will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and always loved.

A potluck luncheon will follow the burial on Saturday, September 5th, 2pm, at Knights of Columbus, 20 Westbury Drive, St. Charles, MO 63301. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sandy's name to the Humane Society of St Louis County.