Nora Lynn (Sheridan) Hopkins

Nora Lynn Sheridan Hopkins, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, died on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, from complications related to COVID-19. She was 59.

Nora was born on May 8, 1962 in Wellsville, NY, the second daughter of David Louis and Barbara Jeanne (Williams) Sheridan. As a child and teen-ager, she was an accomplished synchronized swimmer, a lead-footed driver, a reluctant waitress, a cheerful tormenter of her brother, a friend and confidante to her sisters and friends, and a lifelong learner with an eye that was always focused on how to make the world a better place.

A 1980 graduate of Cuba (NY) Central School, Nora earned her college degree from Alfred State College of Technology in Alfred, NY, then spent 30 years as a scientist in the pharmaceutical industry, most prominently with Unither Manufacturing. After completing her pharmaceutical career, she served as vice president of Blast & Wash Systems in Wayland, NY.

Those who loved her will remember Nora for her kindness, her gentle spirit, and her caring for others. She was selfless in every aspect of her life.

Nora was particularly passionate about her children, grandchildren, and family. If a prayer weighed an ounce, her prayers for her family weighed tons. Her heart belonged to her three children, and she tapped into an endless reserve of love and affection for her grandchildren, on whom she doted relentlessly and with whom she looked forward to sledding each winter. She was an amazing mother, and an equally amazing grandmother whose love of family will grow across years, families, and generations to come.

Her other passions included her relationship with Jesus Christ and her service to others. Through that meek yet powerful relationship with Christ, she served others in many ways both inside and outside the church. Within the church, she was continually active and encouraged many to follow the Lord. As a greeter at the church door, she displayed her warmth and sincerity and made visitors feel like family. Everything she did within the church, she did with excellence.

Outside the church, she was committed to a life of service to others. She took a mission trip to Guatemala and two mission trips to Haiti in her later years and sponsored one child in Haiti who grew into a young man with promise. She arranged for food and clothing to be shipped to him and sponsored him in a vocational school for two years. 

Nora was a woman of prayer who would slip away into her prayer room to seek answers for those she encountered during her days or weeks. She reviewed photos of family members on her prayer wallboard often and lived her faith, which touched hundreds of lives.

Nora is survived by her husband, Terry Hopkins of Wayland, NY; her daughters, Lindsay (Bill) Kubitz of Wayland, NY, and Miranda Knox of Niagara Falls, NY; her son, Dylan (Melissa) Knox of Atlanta, NY; her mother, Barbara Sheridan of Greenbush, Va.; her sisters, Jeanne (Rick) Black of Greenbush, Va., Stephanie (Donald) Bell of Valatie, NY, and Jill (Scott) Murdoch of Alliance, Ohio; her brother, Bill (Alison) Sheridan of St. Louis, Mo.; four grandchildren; two aunts and one uncle; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her dear father, David Louis Sheridan, in 2002.

A Celebration of Life Service in Nora’s honor will be held on Saturday, June 26 at 11 a.m. at the Fresh Start Church, 34 Maple St., Hornell, NY, 14842. Food will be served following the service.

Donations in Nora’s memory may be made to the Fresh Start Church of Hornell, NY.

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