Mollie Ann Cuthrell Hopper passed away at home on July 20, 2007 at the age of 76. Mollie was born April 3, 1931 to Ralph and Lillian Cuthrell in Woodville, N.C. While working at the city hospital in Elizabeth City, she met her husband Richard S. Hopper where he was stationed with his squadron at Weeksville Naval Air Station. They were married Dec. 6, 1952.

Mollie was a warm, loving and supportive mother to her four children, Keith, Kenneth, Scott and Julie. She was gracious and courteous to others and always seemed to know the right thing to do in every situation. She set high standards for her children. Her endless love for her children flowed into her eight grandchildren. She enjoyed nothing more than her house to be full of laughter, story telling and good times.

In addition to raising her four children Mollie made many contributions to Richard’s successful 29-year Naval career. Her involvement in countless Navy wives activities touched many. She organized dependents trips abroad to meet husbands during their extended deployments. Mollie gracefully adapted to the many changes associated with the Navy life. Once she was informed the family would move to Spain and after organizing and receiving all their inoculations was redirected to Florida.

Mollie lived a rich and full life and had many friends across the country. Mollie pursued many hobbies, which included painting, embroidery and antiquing with a passion. She loved boating with her family and spent many years fishing and crabbing around the Puget Sound. She and Richard made several trips with their boating friends from the Oak Harbor Yacht Club to remote inlets between Oak Harbor and Glacier Bay, Alaska. Mollie was not a spectator! One year in the annual salmon fishing competition, she caught the largest king salmon with grace and ease. She enjoyed harvesting the bounty of the sea – from gathering prawns, mussels, clams and oysters and then preparing fabulous feasts for family and friends.

Mollie is survived by her loving husband of 54 years Richard; son Kenneth and wife Carol Ann and children Ray, Mackenzie and Lindsey; son Scott and wife Carrie and children Crystal and Erin; Julie’s husband Daniel and children Mollie, Katia and Keith; older brother Ralph Cuthrell and wife Bonnie; older sister Willine Gibbs and her younger brother Charles and wife Pat. As well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her two children Keith and Julie.

Mollie set a wonderful example to all in how to embrace life and enjoy every minute. May we all keep her loving memory alive.

The family would like to express much gratitude to Theresa Applington for her much appreciated tender and loving care she gave to Mollie.

Mollie’s Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 28 at 1:30 p.m. at the Oak Harbor Episcopal Church on Regatta Avenue. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers your donation to Home Health Care & Hospice of Whidbey General Hospital are welcome. Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.