ALBANY – Barbara E. Hopfenspirger entered Eternal Life on Wednesday, October 16, 2013, surrounded by loved ones, after a full life of service to God, teachers and children of Albany. Barbara served as a Maryknoll Sister in Japan and Hong Kong. She then came to Albany to work in the Albany City School District, first as a teacher, then as a principal, Director of Elementary Education, and Assistant Superintendent.
Barbara was the daughter of the late Joseph and Lillian Hopfenspirger. She is survived by her brother Joseph (Jeanne), her identical twin, Nancy, and by eight nieces and nephews and their families.
The family would like to express gratitude to Dr. Mary Rapazzo, the Hospice Team, and the special care givers for their devoted care and love for Barbara.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Historic Church of St. Mary on Capitol Hill on Saturday morning at 9:00. Relatives and friends are invited. There will be no calling hours. Interment will be in the North Chatham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Community Hospice, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144, or to the Precious Blood Leper Settlement, in Tanzania, East Africa in C/O Father Rebeyro, 4 Proctor Ct., Loudonville, NY 12211. To leave a message of condolence for the family or send a sympathy card, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Anna Marie Sokaris Paratore
October 19, 2013 at 8:32 amMy condolences to your family for your loss. I had Ms. Hopfenspirger as a Science teacher at School #16. She was tough, but an excellent teacher and I enjoyed her immensely. May her memory be eternal.
Dr. Lawrence Kotlow
October 19, 2013 at 9:40 amI was so saddened by Barbara’s passing. I first met her when she arrived in Albany and became my homeroom and science teacher. There are only a few people who can have a real positive impact on people’ s lives and she was one of those people. From the day we met I was always one of her favorites and she had a real impact on my becoming a successful dentist. Over the years when I lived on Cortland Street in Albany ,I would often meet her, when out walking with my kids , working on her gardens. We would talk about life and how fast it had gone by. I wish I had had the opportunity to see her and speak to her before she passed on. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by everyone she had touched. I am sure she is on a good place now. Dr. Kotlow
David Globerson
October 19, 2013 at 5:38 pmMy first thoughts were that of sadness, and nostalgia, as a former classmate from School 16 days sent me the obituary of
Ms. Hopfenspirger. Or as we called her “Hoppy.” I too had her as a science teacher and to this day still remember an incident in her classroom which always reminded me of her fairness. My desk was along one of the walls, away from the center desks, where I wanted to sit with some friends. One day I was allowed to do so but after being caught talking, she sent me back to my old desk. She then asked the class a question and I was the only one who could answer. As a reward, she let me go back to where I wanted to sit. A little story I have since passed along to my daughter who recently earned her teaching credential. This was the type of teacher I told her I hoped she would become. My condolences to your family.
Frank Abbadessa
October 29, 2013 at 5:44 pmShe was my teacher at School 16. Our family moved to California some 40 years ago. We stayed in touch for quite a while. I was thinking of her and Miss Joyner today and tried Facebook to find her. Instead I found the sad news. My prayers are on the way. RIP.
Does anyone know about Miss Joyner?
Cheryl (Abbadessa) Kennick
October 30, 2013 at 8:13 amMy condolences to your family. Ms. Hopfenspirger was my Science teacher at School 16. She was tough, and dedicated to help each student be the best they could be. I used to visit her before moving to California in 1968. You never forget the role models in your life, that leave footprints in your heart..
Rest in Peace Ms. Hoppy, you made a difference!
Bill Jasper
November 4, 2013 at 9:01 amScience teacher, homeroom teacher, friend to all. She was a great teacher who had passion and drive. There are many she touched, many she helped. I never knew about her time in Japan and China, and that is like her, serve others, and don’t wait to be noticed, but move on and continue helping. Her memory will last many years in the Albany Public School system.
Nancy Kaye Sheintal
March 28, 2016 at 11:24 amShe was my science teacher at school 16. I remember all my teachers there, but especially Ms Ms Hopfinspirger and Ms Joyner, my two all time favorites who impacted my life in a positive way. I have been searching for her, but spelling her name wrong for many years. I left Albany in 1965 after graduating high school. I wrote to Ms Hopfeinspirger once about 35 years ago but never received a response. I wanted her to know the positive impact she left on my life. She probably never received it now that I see how off my spelling was.
I will always remember her with a deep fondness and appreciation.
Gary Jenkins
July 23, 2016 at 9:31 pmMs Hopfenspirger was my Principal at School # 16 in Albany; She was exceptional. I remember one time when our basketball team was playing a game and the door to the gym opened and I saw the color yellow out of the corner of my eye & I noticed this person was wide open, I passed the ball quickly and nearly hit her, she had just come into the gym, I didn’t realize it was her. She was in charge of an excellent school. My mom still reminds me when we play scrabble how she beat her at the game at one of our picnics at Kaydeross Park. I often think back to the good ole days at that school + the good teachers and the great students. RIP; You have made an excellent contribution to the world!! We need more like you.