Asleep in Jesus, Saturday November 12th, 2022.
Beloved companion of Judith “Judy” O’Connell; loving wife of the late Thomas Hopfinger; adoring mother of Craig (Mary) Hopfinger and Susan (Ronald) Storie; cherished grandmother of Sydney, Tommy, and Lily; dear sister of the late Robert (Joan) Kruse; dear aunt of Terri (Scott) McLaughlin and Liz (Eric) Bickel; our dearest great aunt, and friend to many.
Charley graduated from the original Central High School and received her teaching degree from Harris Stowe Teachers’ College. She later went on for her Masters degree and Masters +30 at Webster University. She taught kindergarten for 34 years for the St. Louis Board of Education.
Charley began working for the Disney store at Union Station in 1992 and transferred to the Crestwood store in 1994. After it closed in 2006, Charley spent 11 years as a seasonal cast member from January through March at Walt Disney World. Panchito’s, the store at the Coronado Springs resort, became her new happy place.
She was a masterful musician, playing the guitar and saxophone, as well as a singer songwriter. Her love of music and Spanish led to many lasting friendships. The Velvetones band was a large part of her life. We cannot forget the fun she had at Mi Pueblito‘s restaurant, where she strolled tables with a college buddy and there met her companion of 47 years. Later she was part of the Webster Gardens Lutheran Church praise band Spirit and Truth for many years.
Her love of Cardinal baseball was shared with her brother, as well as her son and grandson. Charley was known for her grandma’s featherbed dinner rolls that she lovingly prepared for many special occasions. These were affectionately known as Pan de Dios, bread of the gods!
She was an avid gardener with a green thumb, very artistic, a Disney Memaw, and a fixer of many things. She was blessed with a wonderful family. Craig and Mary, Susan and Ron, and three grandchildren that she totally adored, Sydney, Tommy and Lily. Charley’s smile and sense of humor stayed with her ‘til the end and we will always remember how she spread pixie dust wherever she went. We love you Charley, and will miss you beyond words.
SERVICES: Funeral from Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois on Friday November 18th at 12 noon. Interment at St. Paul Churchyard Cemetery. Visitation Thursday, November 17 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
So sorry for the loss of my Disneyana friend my condolences to the family
So sorry for the loss of my Disneyana friend my condolences to the family
Judy, Sydney, Tommy, Lily, & family,
It is with our deepest sympathies that we reach out to you. Charley was one of the most genuine people either of us ever met…always with a smile on her face and a laugh, a great listener, sincere in her care of others and DEVOTED IN HER LOVE-LOVE-LOVE OF ALL OF YOU!
Earth has lost a BEAUTIFUL soul & Heaven has gained an AMAZING ANGEL!
Judy, Sydney, Tommy, Lily, & family,
It is with our deepest sympathies that we reach out to you. Charley was one of the most genuine people either of us ever met…always with a smile on her face and a laugh, a great listener, sincere in her care of others and DEVOTED IN HER LOVE-LOVE-LOVE OF ALL OF YOU!
Earth has lost a BEAUTIFUL soul & Heaven has gained an AMAZING ANGEL!
Judy and Family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
We are grateful for the time we spent with Charley. Disney, baseball, and guitar – we were kindred spirts.
All our love,
David, Courtney and Eleanor Gallaher
Judy and Family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
We are grateful for the time we spent with Charley. Disney, baseball, and guitar – we were kindred spirts.
All our love,
David, Courtney and Eleanor Gallaher
Dear Judy, Craig, Mary, Sydney, Tommy & Lily;
We send you our deepest condolences. One of our angels is now gone, and it seems so surreal.
We will always keep her in our hearts. With that smile that we will never forget! 🙁
We are sending you all our Love and prayers from Germany.
Yessi, Markus, Leo & Sophie
Dear Judy, Craig, Mary, Sydney, Tommy & Lily;
We send you our deepest condolences. One of our angels is now gone, and it seems so surreal.
We will always keep her in our hearts. With that smile that we will never forget! 🙁
We are sending you all our Love and prayers from Germany.
Yessi, Markus, Leo & Sophie
Dear Susan and Ron,
Stay strong! We send you our love in this time. We cannot find the right words, but know that you all are on our prayers and thoughts.
With Love,
Yessi, Markus, Leo & Sophie
Dear Susan and Ron,
Stay strong! We send you our love in this time. We cannot find the right words, but know that you all are on our prayers and thoughts.
With Love,
Yessi, Markus, Leo & Sophie