Sandra Clarke Hopf

October 28, 2023. Sandra Clarke Hopf passed peacefully surrounded by her loving husband John of 61 years and  her 2 boys, John (Katonah, NY) and Bill (Bedford Hills, NY) at the beautiful Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, RI.

Sandra was born in Cambridge, MA on March, 10 1939 to William and Rhea Clarke.  She grew up in Houston, TX and East Aurora, NY before settling in the New York Metropolitan area to start her career in Human Resources after graduating from Bucknell University.  She married her college sweetheart, John in 1962 and after a few years in the Midwest and Western NY, they settled in Northern Westchester where they raised a family. After many fabulous summer vacations, Sandra and John made Block Island, RI home in 1995, where they have enjoyed Island life for the last 28 years. 

Sandra succumbed to a brave battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Diagnosed in 2015, and as with most things in life, Sandra navigated a brutal disease with grace and determination.

Sandra was synonymous with all things Home! When she wasn’t busy closing real estate deals, she was likely in her own beautifully restored Victorian on Block Island planning her next party, tackling a home project or simply enjoying the beautiful ocean view.

But Sandra didn’t always plan, she was known to spend a full day at the beach and throw together a last minute dinner party for 8, 10 or even 12 without going to the grocery store complete with a homemade Strawberry Rhubarb pie. And she did all this while enjoying a Belvedere Martini or two always making everyone feel right at home. And we never clean up while the guests are sitting around enjoying conversation and after dinner cordials. It kills the momentum, she would say. We just clear the table and tackle the kitchen when the last guest left or maybe in the morning. Sandra was an exceptional hostess and entertainer. 

She was a true Renaissance woman. In addition to a very successful Real Estate career spanning 40+ years in Northern Westchester and Block Island and a whiz in the kitchen, Sandra was also an accomplished synchronized swimmer while studying at Bucknell University, and a talented painter / artist, she preferred watercolors and landscapes in nature were her favorite scenes. We’d be remiss to not also point out her love of interior design which was evident in her own home decor and renovations but Sandra was also called on by many clients and friends for help in their own homes. 

Sandra loved to travel but hated to fly, that didn’t stop her from checking many amazing locations around the world off her bucket list.

Above all Sandra loved her family and her many Golden Retrievers over the years, Tanqueray, Marshmellow, Harley, Jack and Jimmy. She loved her grandchildren, Olivia Catherine (27), John Robert (18) and Lily Rae (13) she cherished beach time with them, teaching them to bake, endless trips to Target + TJ Maxx, reading with them and as they got older she enjoyed having them around the dinner table (no phones) taking part in the conversation. She was a very proud Grandma with good reason.

Sandra is also survived by her loving daughters in law, Jennifer (Troy) Hopf and Kira (Klang) Hopf and many extended family members.  Sandra is predeceased by her beautiful daughter Leslie Rae, her granddaughter Emme Samantha, and her parents, Rhea and Bill Clarke. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, November 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in The Harbor Baptist Church, Block Island followed by a Celebration of Life luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in memory of Sandra to Block Island Volunteer Fire + Rescue or The Block Island Medical Center.

https://www.blockislandvolunteerfireandrescue.com (https://www.blockislandvolunteerfireandrescue.com/)

https://bihealthservices.com/donations/ (https://bihealthservices.com/donations/)

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