Helen Hoppins

 IN LOVING MEMORY
Great sadness and heavy hearts are deeply felt with the passing of our beloved Helen Hoppins. She was loved dearly and will be greatly missed. Helen passed peacefully on December 30, 2023, at the age of 89, surrounded by family. Helen is survived by her children; Ken (Meri) Sousa, Upland, California Davi (Linda) Sousa, North Edwards, California; Tim (Diane) Sousa, Temple, Texas; Patty (Randy) Burns, Winchester, California; stepsons Curt (Kathy) Hoppins, Los Gatos, California and Terry (Shirley) Hoppins,Los Gatos, California; sister Charlotte Tracy, Banning, California; brother Fred Dahnke, Joelton, Tennessee. Eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren with one more on the way. Nineteen nieces and nephews. Helen was predeceased by her husband Harold Hoppins, father Henry Dahnke Sr., mother Charlotte Pou Dahnke, brother Henry Dahnke Jr., sister Josephine Alberi, sister Louise Stewart and grandson Joseph Sousa.

Helen was born on October 13, 1934, in the Panama Canal Zone. She grew up in Banning, California where she felt very loved and supported by her family. Helen was a kindergarten teacher at Precious Blood school in Banning, California. In 1956, a college graduate, Helen became a "Policewoman" for the Banning Police Department. Helen loved children and always knew she wanted to have a family of her own. While being a wonderful loving mother, Helen was a substitute teacher at Saint Adelaide's school in Highland, California. In 1973, Helen joined the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department as a records clerk, meeting many lifelong friends and mentors during her career. Helen retired in 1994 as a Automated Systems Analyst. After retirement, Helen in her 60's, became a San Bernardino Reserve Deputy Sheriff.

Helen loved spending time with family and friends. Helen excelled in creating a beautiful and gracious home. A multitude of paintings, pictures and objects d'art. Helen's home was very comfortable for a gathering of family and friends. Helen cherished her role as "Grammy," often participating in her granddaughters school and after school functions. She was a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader. Helen continued her deep devotion to the Catholic Church and was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in San Bernardino, California. Helen loved children. She taught religious education, was a substitute elementary school teacher, assisted with baptism, first holy communion, parish secretary and eucharistic minister for the infirmed. As a member of the Sister's of Mercy, Helen helped many families.

Helen cherished her friendships, developing friendships at every stage of her life. She always brought a delightful presence wherever she went. Helen appreciated all that life gave her. She devoted her life to her family. Helen will always be remembered as a loving and caring mother and great friend. Helen was always a positive influence and would often say when departing, "I've got you in my pocket." How lucky we are to have know someone so wonderful that makes saying goodbye so terribly difficult. We will always have you in our pockets.

Mass will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024 

at 11:00 a.m. at 

Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 

796 W. 48th St., San Bernardino, California.