Vershire, Vt. — Kathleen “Kay” Hoopes passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017, with her son and daughter at her side. Kay was born in White River Junction, Vt. on July 16, 1926. Kay received her Bachelor’s degree from Boston University and her Master’s degree in teaching from Harvard University where she met the love of her life, David Hoopes. She and David were married on June 7, 1952, and spent the next 60 years together. Kay taught English and History for a number of years before joining David as an editor in his publishing company, the Intercultural Press. Kay was also an accomplished pianist and loved to play duets with friends.

Kay loved to travel and she and David took many trips together. Early in their marriage they took a six-month trip to Europe on a shoe-string budget. She published a series of articles in the local Vermont newspaper, chronicling their journey, including being named Britain’s one millionth visitor, fighting the cockroaches in Yugoslavia and finding a deep appreciation for the pace of life in Spain. They also traveled together to Japan, Peru and Costa Rica.

Shortly after they were married, Kay and David bought a home in Vershire where they created their own slice of heaven. Kay spent many hours in her flower gardens, took long walks on the 150 acres surrounding their home, swam in the pond out back and watched the many birds. She was an avid bird watcher and loved to spend time by the feeder watching the many species of birds who came to visit.

As they neared retirement, they bought a home in Melbourne Beach and lived the life of snow birds – spending six months in Vermont and six months in Florida each year. They spent many days on the beach and by the river enjoying the pelicans and dolphins, but mostly enjoying the warmth and sun.

Kay is predeceased by David and her brother, Morrison “Bud” Rogers. She is survived by her son, Aaron Hoopes and his partner, Suzanne Lacey; her daughter, Jennifer Hoopes and her wife, Betsy Smith; her two grandsons, Justin and Colin Smith-Hoopes; her sister, Jane Rogers; and her nephew, John Rogers and his wife, Michelle Rogers.

Private services will be held at her home in Vermont. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to The Nature Conservancy, 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203-1606 or online at www.nature.org.