Mary Louise (Eisert) Hopkins

“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.”-2 Timothy 4:7

Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Hopkins passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Born on October 11, 1937, the eldest of eight children and first of four daughters born to Jerome and Winifred Evans Eisert. She was delivered at the family residence on E. 6th St. during an early Erie snowstorm.

Because of WWII, there was a housing shortage and the family often moved in with grandparents Levi and Eda Evans in Greenfield Township. It was there that Mary Lou started first grade at the Hornby one room school.

Jerry and Winnie were able to purchase a home on South Bartlett Rd. In Harborcreek where sister-in-law Martha Eisert resides today.

Mary Lou attended Harbor Creek High School, graduating in 1955, and cherished the lifelong friends she made there, especially the monthly lunches with the girls of “Club 55”.

In 1958 Mary Lou followed in her father's footsteps and became an employee of General Electric. She retired in 1994 after working 36 years in the locomotive division.

In August of 1977, Mary Lou became a foster parent to a little girl, Angeline, who ultimately became her daughter. Mary Lou considered this her greatest accomplishment. The same year, Mary Lou met the love of her life, John Hopkins. On July 29, 1978, John, Mary Lou, and Angel became a family. Angel was adopted by John and Mary Lou on July 3, 1982.

John passed away in April 2003 of heart problems, but he and Mary Lou had the joy of traveling across the country several times, leaving them both with wonderful memories of what a beautiful country we live in. Because of John’s condition, long trips were replaced with many short trips that were also enjoyable.

Mary Lou was a member of Park United Methodist Church in North East, serving our Lord in several areas. She was a member of the first class of Steven Ministers, lay pastor, United Methodist women, Tuesday morning covenant group, and of course the famous soup and salad ladies. Mary Lou often said, “The Lord walks in front of me to show me the path, walked beside me to keep me on the path, and walks behind me to give me a shove when I need it”

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; five siblings: Jean Eisert, Michael Eisert, Sandra Morgan, Timothy Eisert, Gerald Eisert, sister-in-law Mildred Eisert, and brother-in-law Chuck Morgan; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She is survived by her daughter Angeline Hopkins Herring and her husband, Brian Herring; granddaughters Brittany Bisbee (Josh Hagg), Bryanna Bisbee (Jarrod Motherwell), grandson Brett Bisbee; great-grandsons Karsen Miller, Chazz John Bisbee, and Jarron and Paxtyn Motherwell; sisters Cherryl Jones and Patrice Eisert; sisters-in-law Carole Eisert and Martha Eisert; and a heap of nieces and nephews that she loved very much.

Mary Lou will forever hold a special place in the hearts of her family for her endless generosity and hospitality. Many family reunions and special gatherings were hosted at the Hopkins homestead over the years, and core memories were made. She was quick to lend a hand, tell a joke, share wisdom, and offer advice. No home was as clean as Mary Lou’s, but you always felt welcome. We were so blessed to have her in our lives, and our family will not be the same without her.

Friends may call at the William D Elkin Funeral Home 65 South Lake St. North East on Thursday March 26 from 4 till 7 PM. Funeral services will be on Friday at 12 PM at the funeral home officiating Rev. Eric Leonard. Interment will follow at Quincy Cemetery. Please send condolences to elkinfh.com.

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