E. Libby Hopkins, 82, of Waldoboro, died on Dec. 5 at LincolnHealth – Miles Campus. She was born on July 4, 1932, the daughter of Jennie and Hyman Gershen, in Bronx, N.Y. Libby was an artist, both professionally and personally, studying in New York City and Paris, France. Her career started in the fashion industry in New York City, moving on to commercial and graphic arts, and included culinary, theatrical and fine arts.
On Dec. 20, 1958, Libby married James L. Hopkins of Lawrenceville, N.J. and they settled and lived in Mercer County, N.J. until their move to Waldoboro in 1984. During their years in New Jersey, Libby worked as a graphic artist for the Wall Street Journal, and Educational Testing Service. Her dream was to pursue her love of culinary arts, and she found the answer through the purchase of a large home in Waldoboro, which would become the Broad Bay Inn B&B. She didn’t just serve sumptuous breakfasts though, Libby became known for Saturday Evening Dinners at the Broad Bay Inn, and a catering service for weddings and private parties.
Libby enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, walking on the beach, and watercolor painting. She was a member of the Waldoboro Woman’s Club, Waldoboro Chamber of Commerce and The Waldo Theatre.
She was predeceased by her parents; husband, James L. Hopkins; and brothers, Alvin E. and Martin Gershen.
She is survived by daughter, Lysa Flemming (Michael) of Haines City, Fla.; lifelong friend and companion, JeanPaul Doyen of Versailles, France; her dog, “Sasha”; and 14 nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will take place at 2 p.m., Mon. Dec. 15 at the Broad Bay Congregational United Church of Christ, 941 Main St., Waldoboro.
Contributions may be made to Farnsworth Art Museum, 16 Museum St., Rockland, ME 04841.
Messages and memories may be shared at www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.
