04/29/2026
Rachel Lee Hopkins (nee Pollard) finished her earthly walk Sunday, April 26th at the age of 50 at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance. On May 27, 2000, she became the beloved wife of her high-school sweetheart, Michael Audie Hopkins Jr. Together they poured their love into their son, Notah Michael Hopkins (Racquel Labonte). The daughter of Ken & Rhoda Pollard, Rachel was born in Kitchener and became a loving and protective big sister to Alana (Aaron), David, and Bryan (Gillian). She was a daughter-in-law of the late Bonnie Hopkins, and a cherished sister-in-law to those in the Hopkins family including Michelle, Denean, Lee (Tara) and Luke, as well as Dean Altiman (Erin). She was the celebrated first grandchild of Keith and the late Blanche Pollard, and the late Howard and Esther Pollard of Welland, and treasured niece of Harriett Rynberk and family, Elwin and Karen Schultz, and Joe and Sherrin Ross and family.
Rachel joined Michael and lived in Orillia for many years after graduating from the University of Waterloo with a degree in Social Development Studies. Local family and friends excitedly welcomed them back home to the Chatham-Kent area in 2014. Over the years Rachel found her niche in customer service careers, but her most proud roles were that of wife, mother, daughter, sister, niece, auntie, and friend. She shared decades of good times with Michael, and her chosen sisters Brandy Holmes (nee Jackson) and Colleen Anderson (nee Galbraith) whose spouses and children affectionately remember her generous love and support. Her warmth gave her a unique ability to develop meaningful relationships with others quickly, notably amongst those she worked alongside or sat with in the stands at sporting events.
Over the years Rachel put her hands to various creative pursuits including painting, floral design, stained glass, and pottery. She loved gardening and nature walks, and often posted pictures of ducks, flowers, and her beloved dog, Manny. Many nieces and nephews remember her thoughtfulness and happy disposition
including Sophie, Lynnly, Lola, Georgia, Lynkin, Brayden (Nikki) and family, Ella, Tre, Ali, Alec, Kain (Amanda) and family, Ethan, Preston, Semya, Bradwin, Zander, Ryder, Addison, and Blake. She boldly
cheered for each one at their lacrosse, baseball, and hockey events. She modelled acceptance and loyalty as she nurtured the young people who crossed her path or entered her welcoming home. She enjoyed being in the water and had an affinity for penguins, Harry Potter movies, Jimmy Buffet, Charlie Brown Christmas, and birding. She tracked the owls of Paxton's Bush during dog walks. Rachel moved through life at her own pace; one that allowed her to see and appreciate people and creation in a uniquely deep way. She would not sacrifice that for worldly pursuits or accolades. And whether it was Christmas or Easter, she could always be counted on for a tasty bowl of chili at family gatherings. She was immensely proud of her son, Notah, as he completes his police recruit training and receives his badge this week.
Thank-you to those who provided extraordinary compassion and care to Rachel and her visitors over the last few days of her life including CK Fire, CK Police, CK EMS, and CKHA emergency and ICU staff, who helped make her departure from this world more peaceful. As family and friends grieve Rachel's sudden, untimely passing, may they also remember a verse Rachel held dear from the Psalms of what she called "the God book": He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Together family and friends give thanks for Rachel's life and the immeasurable joy and love she poured into each of us. Her spirit and her hugs will be missed until we meet again.
Visitation will be held Saturday, May 2nd from 1-3 pm at McKinlay Funeral Home in Chatham. A private funeral service and cremation will follow. Memorials donations may be made in Rachel’s name to Birds Canada or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com
McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519-351-2040
