Margaret Lee Hopkin

Born: 2/10/1951, Morganfield, Kentucky
Death: 12/20/2020, Moab, Utah
Service: Pending

Margaret was born in Morganfield, Kentucky, on February 10, 1951. Her dad was in the military and soon after Margaret’s birth the family moved to Texas. When Margaret was 2 years old her dad was offered and accepted a position in Logan, Utah. Margaret lived in Logan from the age of 2 until she graduated from high school.

Margaret earned her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Utah and Utah State University. Upon graduation she moved to Windsor, Connecticut and lived and taught there for five years. She loved her time in Connecticut, but missed the mountains and red rocks of Utah. So, she applied for a middle school science teaching position in Moab and came back west. She taught middle school science for a number of years and at the same time, pursued a master’s degree in education administration from the University of Utah. Next, she became principal at Red Rock Elementary. She also spent time as the principal of Grand County Middle School. For the last five years of her career, she was the Superintendent of Schools of Grand County School District. Margaret was an exceptional educator, and regardless of her position, she influenced thousands of lives.

Margaret retired nine years ago and has spent those nine years living life to its fullest. She has travelled extensively, played taiko with energy and heart, spent time with family and friends, and mentored one of the lights of her life, Athan. She was delighted to be able to see him just last Thursday.

Nearly one year ago Margaret was able to marry the love of her life, Taryn. This marriage cemented a nearly 25 year partnership. Margaret and Taryn feel blessed to have found a soul mate in each other to journey with for so many years. They are convinced that their journey together isn’t over, just experienced on separate planes for a while.

Margaret’s family includes: Taryn, Brooke, Conner, Meagan, Larry, and Zoey, and the animal menagerie: Singer, Kaia, Moose, Clare, Blue, and Brin (and the chickens). Her family also includes Allison, Sheri, Mary Beth, Leta, Sheila, Jean and Joan. Finally, her family also includes many, many close friends here in Moab and around the world. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Bernice Matheny Hopkin, and her beloved brother Jim.

Margaret really wanted to share the following:

“There are so many of you I would like to thank, but I can’t name you all and don’t want to leave anyone out, so thank you to all who touched my life.”

“The Moab community is a special place on this planet. We are full of generosity, support, compassion, adventure, fun, creativity (we make our own), tolerance, and caring. We may bicker over issues, but we are united in many, many things. At the end of the day we have each other’s backs. So, carry on in great love of each other and the community. Continue doing and strive always to do better. Embrace your family and friends often. Build neighborhoods where people care about their neighbors. Bask in the beautiful environment you live in. It is one of the most beautiful places. Abide with the fluid energy of life. And finally, in the words of Pema Chodron, ‘It can become a practice to humanize those we pass on the street.’ Do this. Humanize each other. Seek to unite. Live in peace, beauty, love, and above all, joy.”

Due to Covid-19, there are no services planned at this time. Once the pandemic has receded we’ll announce and hold a community celebration honoring Margaret’s life. In the meantime, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Margaret’s name to Moab Solutions, an organization dear to Margaret’s heart.

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