Joan Marie Bartsch-Hopkins

Joan Marie Bartsch-Hopkins passed away on Tuesday, September 27, 2016, from the Schuylkill Regional Medical Center in Pottsville, PA, she was 73.  She was born in Philadelphia, PA to the late Helen N. and Ken Ryder Sr.

Mrs. Bartsch-Hopkins moved to Delaware when she was 12 years old and was a graduate of the Felton High School class of 1961.  She worked many jobs in her lifetime including as a nurses aid, maintenance at Super 8, and a cafeteria worker.  In her spare time, she enjoyed taking long walks, word puzzles, and being around her cats.  She loved music and loved to play the mandolin with her first husband who played guitar.   Her sweet and quiet nature will be sadly missed.

Mrs. Bartsch-Hopkins was a member of the Aldersgate Wesleyan Church of Milford, DE. 

She is preceded in death by her first husband, James A. Bartsch; her second husband, Carl E. Hopkins; and her daughter, June Marie Bartsch.

She is survived by her sons, James A. Bartsch Jr. of Camden/Wyoming, David D. Bartsch of Dover, Hank W. Bartsch of Laurel; brother, Ken Ryder of Felton, 2 grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will take place at Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 South DuPont Hwy., Harrington, on Monday, October 3, 2016 at 12 PM with a visitation for family and friends one hour prior.  Interment will be at the Mt. Olive Cemetery, Sandtown.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the Gideons International, please visit: www2.gideons.org/donate

Arrangements are by the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home Inc, Harrington, DE.  Visit us at www.melvinfuneralhome.com to send flowers or sign condolence book.

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