Loraine (Markey) Hopson

Loraine Hopson, 65, of Warsaw, formerly of Hamilton, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2020, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois.

Loraine was born on March 16, 1955, at Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois, the daughter of C. Dale and Evelyn W. (Gunn) Markey. She married Bryant Schafer on April 12, 1980, and later married Brian K. Hopson on April 22, 1988.

Loraine worked as a legal secretary for forty-six years. She graduated from Gem City College in 1974, with a legal secretary diploma. In 1974, Loraine began working for the Anderson & McMurray Law Office in Keokuk. From March of 1980 to December 31, 1995, she worked at Dickey, Smith & Kultala in Keokuk, later Dickey, Smith Kultala and McDonald. On January 1, 1996, Loraine helped establish McDonald Law Office in Keokuk, with Bruce McDonald. During her time at McDonald Law Office, Loraine assisted in the investigation and prosecution of major felony cases, in conjunction with Bruce’s duties with the Lee County Attorney’s Office. She was instrumental in assisting the county attorney and local law enforcement agencies, including her significant contributions to the successful prosecutions of ten first degree murder cases. Her mastery of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage were a marvel to her “law partner”, himself an English major. Loraine was known for her devotion to her work and the citizens of Lee County.

When she was not working, Loraine could be found riding her bike around town, spending time at the South Side Boat Club or the Keokuk Yacht Club, or babysitting her grandchildren, nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly. Family meant everything to Loraine. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Carthage, and showed off her singing and dancing talents in the Kardiac Kapers performances in Keokuk. She was a classically beautiful lady, and will always be remembered for her smile and friendship.

Loraine is survived by two sons: Chad (Morgan) Schafer of Port Orange, Florida, and Luke (Robin Gassaway) Hopson of Warsaw; her significant other of thirteen years, Harold “Harry” Marcionetti of Quincy, Illinois; four grandchildren: Gracie and Lola Schafer , Charlotte Hopson and Roland Bouchard; and six siblings: Stephen (Julia) Markey of Tioga, Illinois, Richard Markey of Quincy, Colette (Steve) Swisegood of Hamilton; Russell (Joan) Markey of Warsaw, Candace (James) Kleemeyer of Lima, Illinois, and Tracy (Lorinda) Markey of Tennessee, Illinois. Other survivors include numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Loraine was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Edward.

A private family graveside service will be held on Monday, April 6, 2020, at Calvary Cemetery in Carthage, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Memorial Hospital in Carthage or Immaculate Conception Church in Carthage.

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