Margaret J. Hooper

Margaret Hooper age 86 of Ithaca, died on January 26 at Masonic Pathways in Alma.  She was born December 26, 1928 at home in North Star Township.  She was a descendent of one of the Pioneer Families of Gratiot County.  Her great-grandparents, David and Mary Mellinger, homesteaded in North Star Township in 1854.

She was a graduate of Ithaca High School, the University Of Michigan School Of Nursing, and held a Master’s of Science in Nursing Administration degree from Wayne State University.

She married Lester Hooper on September 23, 1951.  He preceded her in death on September 3, 1996.

Mrs. Hooper’s forty one year career in nursing included employment at Gratiot Community Hospital where she held positions as Afternoon Supervisor, In-service Director, and Director of Nursing and at  the Michigan Department of Public Health where she was a Nurse Consultant and Licensing Officer.

She was a member of the Ithaca United Methodist Church, Gratiot County Farm Bureau, the Gratiot County Historical and Genealogical Society, a life member of Alma Chapter #43 O.E.S. and a former member of Michigan and American Nurses Association.

She was preceded in death by her parents Warren L and Abbie (DeYoung) Mellinger of North Star Township and a brother and sister-in-law Bruce and Randalyn Mellinger of Saginaw.  She is survived by a brother Elwood (Eve) Mellinger of Holtville, California, a sister-in-law Eleanor Budge of Greenville, a daughter Kathryn (Thomas) Van Alstine of Lansing, a son, Craig (Susan) Hooper of Katy, Texas, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Commission on Aging.

Visitation will be at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca on Friday, January 30, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and again that evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.  Funeral services will be at 10:00 on Saturday at the Barden Funeral Home with Pastor George Showers officiating.  Interment will be at the Ithaca Cemetery. 

Comments

[Luann Ludwick]

I am so sorry to hear this news. Mrs. Hooper was my supervisor at Gratiot Community Hospital in the '70's. She was kind and encouraging to me as a new graduate nurse. Condolences to her family.
Luann Ludwick
Mesa, Arizona

[Kathy Howes Kanitz, husband Tom]

Kathryn, Craig & family, we are sorry for the loss of your mom. Our sympathy & hope for you to find comfort in your memories.

[Marilee Mouser]

Hoopers: so saddened to learn this. Another loss for Newark Twp.

[Bill and Jeanette Dilts]

We are very sad to learn of Margaret's passing. She was a very beautiful and friendly lady who always greeted everyone with a warm smile and word. She will missed by all who knew her.

[Deborah Morris]

from the Godleys....
our deepest condolences to your family. you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

[Larry and Joanne DeVuyst]

Lester and Margaret were such good friends of ours. We enjoyed their company so many times. Margaret was so faithful in writing letters to us after we moved to TX.
Such great memories. May God grant you all peace.

[Fern Patz Robinson]

I am so sorry of the loss of your mom.....She was a very nice person and a very wise and dedicated nurse. She was my 3-11 supervisor at GCH in the 60's. May God be with you all.

[Susan Derby Heimburger]

Our sympathies to you on the loss of Margaret. She and Les were wonderful neighbors to the Heimburgers and Derbys over many years in Newark Township.

[Nicole Gordon]

Matt,

I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Nicole Gordon

[Olga (Harrison) Albert]

I am sorry for the loss of Margaret Hooper. I, as well as my brother and sister, received training as a nurse-aide from her. My mother, Celeste, worked for her for several years. She was dedicated to her job.

[Christy Swafford]

Matt,
I am sorry for you loss. Wanted to let you know I was thinking about you and your family.
Sincerely,
Christy