Obituary of Martha Hopkins

Martha was a resident of Santa Barbara for over 46 years and passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning March 21, 2012, at the age of 88. Born April 2, 1923, in New Castle, Indiana, she was the eldest daughter of Edmund H. and Mary Emry, and the sister of Elizabeth Clay, John Emry and Albert Watkins. Martha had many rewarding experiences over her long work career, including: Bridal consultant for I. Magnin in Santa barbara, upper management of Powell Business College in Syracuse, NY, Director of Santa Monica Nursing College, Director of Sawyer Business College, case manager of Santa Barbara Mental Health, manager of the S.B. Chapter of the American Lung Association, Cox Cable television talk show host, and 15 years as a job developer for the Employment Development Department, from which she retired at the age of 78. Martha greatly enjoyed and excelled during her time at the University of Texas in Austin. She was an avid bicyclist, swimmer and she enjoyed horseback riding. In her later years she was able to pursue her love of traveling and visited Europe 13 times. She is survived by her four daughters - Louise Road (Michael) of Mt. Shasta, CA, Lenna Dower (Richard) of Plymouth, MA, Mary Ann Hopkins and Carolyn Betz (Paul) both of Santa Barbara, CA, as well as eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren and numerous good friends. Martha was a Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church on the corner of State and Constance for many years and that is where a memorial service will be held Monday, March 26 at 11:00 in the Chapel.