Obituary of Jeanne C. Hopfe

Palmer – Jeanne C. Hopfe, 86, passed away unexpectedly on March 11, 2021 in North Fort Myers, Florida. She was born on May 28, 1934 in Ware, MA, to the late Anthony and Beatrice (Giard) Lemoine. Jeanne grew up in Ware and attended the French Catholic Church and School there.  She was a devout Catholic and a parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle in Palmer. 

Jeanne spent her lifetime as a caring mother for her son, Kevin, who was born with special needs. Jeanne was a self-motivated, insightful woman who forged new paths in the antique resale business.  As Jeanne’s husband, Robert, built Sturbridge Antiques from the ground up in 1980, she established the concept for “a group shop,” the first of its kind in New England. Before long, all booths were filled, including a waiting list! Jeanne organized her business on fairness and kindness, drawing in the finest of experts in the antique field. After running Sturbridge Antiques for 25 years, Jeanne and Robert sold their business and bought Brimfield Acres North with Colleen James, including an antique group shop and the seasonal antique flea market.  This partnership lasted 20 years, followed by Jeanne’s daughter, Suzanne Rohrbacher and son-in-law, Michael Rohrbacher, joining as new co-owners and continuing today.  Jeanne’s work was her passion, always motivated to meet people and share her depth of knowledge about antiques. She always took time to recall personal stories shared with her and to inquire with hopes that all has continued well.  The antique environments she managed always conveyed a sense of comradery for dealers and shoppers alike.  Daily expressions of respect, concern and friendship were the cornerstone of Jeanne’s interactions with others. This was her gift. 

Jeanne was predeceased by her husband, Robert Hopfe, in 2018. She will be forever missed by her daughter, Suzanne Rohrbacher and husband Michael of Fort Myers, FL, as well as her son, Kevin Hopfe of Chicopee. She also leaves two grandchildren, Steven Rohrbacher of Holly Springs, NC and Marie Rohrbacher of Easthampton, MA. Jeanne had a very special bond with her two-year old great-grandchild, Chloe Rohrbacher, daughter of Steven and Kristi Rohrbacher. Jeanne also leaves many cherished friends and relatives whom she frequented throughout her lifetime. 

Calling hours will be Friday, March 19, 2021 from 4:00-7:00pm at the Beers and Story Palmer Funeral Home. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home for 12:00am on Saturday, March 20, 2021 for the procession to a Funeral Mass at 12:30pm in St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Burial will immediately follow in St. Thomas Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to JERICHO by visiting jerichobeca.org or to the Special Olympics by visiting support.specialolympics.org. For more information, please visit www.beersandstory.com