Carolann Hoppe (Martin)

At 4:50 p.m., on Thursday, January 14th, the concept and reality of Original Sin broke our hearts by taking our Mamo in death. God’s love and promise of eternal salvation hopefully will sustains us. Carolann Hoppe was born to an unwed mother in Ellinwood, Kansas on August 16, 1948. The same day that Babe Ruth died. Christened Cheryl Ann, she lived with her mother and grandparents for 24 months until her grandmother died. And her mother received a proposal of marriage that did not include Cheryl Ann. Thus entered the Dominican Order of Nuns located in Great Bend, Kansas. There, Sister Marcella Landwehr knew a couple wanting to adopt. Wendell and Margaret Martin became legal parents of the renamed Carolann. Carolann later reflected that, although confused at first, she had the most wonderful childhood. Growing up she only lacked two things. Hugs and kisses! Not unusual in German families of the time. She swore that if she ever had a family, hugs and kisses would abound. After attending and graduating from St. Joseph’s Grade School and Sacred Heart High School Academy (now Kansas Newman University) she entered St. Joseph Hospital’s School of Nursing. It was at this time she met her future husband Gene. They were married August 31, 1968. She had to interrupt her nursing education because Gene’s Dad said the only way they could get married was if they lived together. So, she accompanied Gene to Dodge City, Kansas for his senior year of college. The director of the nursing program made Gene promise that Carolann would finish her final year of schooling. He did and she graduated with her RN in June 1970. Thus, began a career of moving and following education and career opportunities. Over the years she has worked at St. Joseph Hospital, Wichita. St. Mary’s Hospital, Emporia. Providence - St. Margaret's, Kansas City. Medical Center of Independence, Independence. And finally, the last 30 years of her career, at St. Mary’s, Blue Springs. It is estimated, during her 40-year career, she cared for between 38,000 - 58,500 patients. During this time, she reared three kids. Julie 1969, Craig 1972, and Laurie 1976. As promised, hugs and kisses were enforced daily in the family. Along the way, in addition to granddogs and grandcats, seven grandkids and four great grandkids came along. Counting in-laws, the family number is 25. All modeled after our Mamo. The terms Mamo and Papo were given by their first grandchild Ashley. Simultaneously, she filled roles of: Room Mother, Scout Leader, Kansas City Eye Bank Leadership, School Fundraisers of working concessions at Royals/Kauffman Stadium and cleaning Arrowhead Stadium. Each year she became a Kansas wheat harvest widow when her hubby helped on the family farm 200 miles away. She never thought that Gene had a mistress, but if he did her initials would be N.E.A. The National Education Association was the teacher’s union and when Gene was extremely involved, she practically ran the family single handedly. When Carolann and Gene became empty-nesters, she became more involved in her church at St. Mark’s. She held several elected positions and became involved in blood drives. After several years of calling for volunteers and contributors for the drives she earned the title of “Blood Lady.” Carolann is survived by her husband of 52 years, Gene Hoppe. They have three children: Julie Henkel (Jimmy), Craig Hoppe (Heather), Laurie Countryman (Robert). Seven grandkids: Ashley Hunt (Chris), Lauren Links (Zack), Zach Hodges (Kerri), Dallas Countryman (14), Ty Hoppe (14), Gatlin Countryman (11), Brooklyn Powell (7). Four great grandkids: Austin Hunt (14), Hunter Hodges (5), Easton Hunt (4) and Lilyanna Hodges (1). The Hoppe Family wants to thank all nurses and therapists, especially Rachel Lofty of Phoenix Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope House or Kansas Eye Bank & Cornea Research Center in Wichita, Kansas. A Visitation will take place at Speaks Suburban Chapel (18020 E. 39th Street S. Independence, MO) on Wednesday, January 20th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. preceded by a Rosary at 4:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Mark’s Catholic Church (3736 S. Lee’s Summit Road Independence, MO) on Thursday, January 21st at 11:00 a.m., with cremation to follow. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, seating is limited to 100 people. For those unable to attend, a live streaming of the funeral is available at: https://www.facebook.com/stmarkparishindependencemo/videos/426546288456658 Inurnment will occur at St. John’s Clonmel, Kansas. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)