Cambridge - Margaret “Peg” Hopkins, lovingly known to many as Aunt Peg or simply AP, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Fort Hudson Nursing Center in Fort Edward, NY. She will always be remembered as our family’s social butterfly, known for her warmth, quick wit, and unforgettable gift of gab. She was the matriarch of our family. Though she had no children of her own, she was like a mother, grandmother and great grandmother to many of us.
Born in Cambridge, NY, on November 13, 1926, Peg was the daughter of Thomas and Katherine (Kennedy) Hopkins. She began her education at a local district school in Cambridge before transferring to Cambridge Union School, where she graduated with the Class of 1944. Her graduating class was small—just 17 students—as many of the young men had gone off to serve in World War II.
After high school, Peg began a long and dedicated career at Reis Mill, where she worked for 38 years. She later worked at CB Sports until her retirement in 1989.
In 1949, Peg’s life changed in a profound way when her young cousins, Pat and Kathleen Kennedy, came to live with her and her mother due to their own mother’s illness. Peg helped raise the girls from the ages of two and three. Six years later, Peg's mother passed away from cancer, and Peg, alongside her brother Tom and his wife Eva, continued raising Pat and Kathleen with love and devotion. She often said that helping raise them was one of her proudest accomplishments.
Peg was a woman of deep faith and a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. She was active in the Catholic Daughters of America, the Grange, and her local Senior Citizens. She volunteered for many years at Mary McClellan Hospital and served as a member of their Hospital Auxiliary. She was generous with her time, her laughter, and her compassion. She was known for her unmistakable laugh, always followed by a signature knee slap that made everyone around her smile.
She loved to travel, often joining the Cambridge Senior Citizens on trips, but her most cherished adventure was a 29-day journey to California with her childhood friend, Alice Gaal.
Peg once described herself as religious, honest, and a loyal friend—and all who knew her would agree. She believed firmly in the power of faith, the importance of family, and the value of kindness.
Though she never married, Peg found great love and fulfillment in her relationships with family and friends. As a dear friend once said of her: “She wasn’t an old maid—she was an unwanted treasure.”
Peg was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Katherine Hopkins; her brother, Thomas Hopkins, and his wife Eva Nadeau Hopkins; her cousins Patricia Kennedy Hayden and Kathleen Kennedy Parr—the girls she helped raise; their brother Timothy Kennedy and his wife Sharon; and her niece Katherine “Kitty” Hopkins.
She is survived by many beloved family members, including Tammy Hopkins Langlois, Rick and family; Thomas Hopkins and family; Timothy Hopkins, Donna and family; Robert Kennedy, Eric and family; and Dawn Schmitz, Jason and family; Don Hayden. She also leaves behind countless special relatives, friends, and neighbors who were like family to her.
Peg’s legacy is one of faith, generosity, laughter, and love. She will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing her.
The family would like to extend their heart felt thank you to the staff at Fort Hudson for the loving care provided for her final days. A very special thank you to Donna Hopkins for being by Peg’s side when she passed, we are forever grateful for this gesture.
Calling hours are from 4-7 pm Friday, September 12, 2025 at the Ackley, Ross & Gariepy Funeral Home, 73 West Main St., Cambridge.
Services will begin at 10:15 am Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the Ackley, Ross & Gariepy Funeral Home followed by a mass of Christian burial at 11 am St. Patrick’s Church, 17 South Park St., Cambridge with Rev. Peter Tkocz officiating. Interment will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Cambridge.
Contributions in her memory can be made to St. Patrick’s Church, 17 South Park St., in Cambridge, NY 12816 or the Cambridge Valley Senior Center, 5 Park Place, Cambridge, NY 12816.
