Mary “Louise” (Hays) Hopkins, 85, of Rochester, Minnesota, died July 30, 2017, at Cottagewood Memory Care. She had been in declining health since December 2014 due to Alzheimer’s disease and a stroke.

Louise was born on Dec. 8, 1931, to T. “Roy” and Lucille (Rooney) Hays. She graduated from Rochester High School in 1949. On June 7, 1952, she married Charles Hopkins. They made their home in Milton Township, Dodge County, and she was a farm wife for several years. They later moved to Rochester where Louise had a 36-year career as a laboratory technician in hematology at Mayo Clinic.

Louise loved being a homemaker, and she and Chuck almost never missed any event for their children or grandchildren. Family meant everything to her, and friends were friends for life. In their later years, Chuck and Louise loved to travel to different ballrooms to dance.

She is survived by daughter, Susan (Rodney) Hazelton of Stewartville, Minnesota; son, Steven (Dawn) of Stewartville; and daughter, Sandra (Gary) Kent of Kasson, Minnesota; four grandchildren, Ranee Rasmussen, Brenda (Jeremy) Hebl, Stacy (Ryan) Dube and Dillon Kent; great-grandchildren Vivian and Makaela Rasmussen, Alex, Luke and Leah Hebl, and Lincoln, Matilda, Cecelia and Bronson Dube; brothers, George “Dick” (Maxine) Hays of Boca Raton, Florida, and Patrick (Diane, deceased) Hays of Austin, Minnesota; and her beloved dog, Casey. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years; and her parents.

Louise requested a private burial and celebration of life with only immediate family attending. However, the family would love to hear your memories and stories from the past. Please visit http://mary-louise-hopkins.forevermissed.com

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be sent to Seasons Hospice or to the family. The family of Louise also wishes to thank Cottagewood and Seasons Hospice (Mara and Allie) for their excellent care.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, and online condolences are also welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com