Winnie the Pooh once said, "I knew when I met you an adventure was going to happen." I am sure anyone who ever had the pleasure to cross paths with Nancy would agree that this perfectly encompasses her spirit (and have the stories to back it up).

Her adventurous and somewhat rebellious spirit was cultivated at a young age, which I suppose is only natural if you are the youngest of seven siblings. Nancy was born to Raymond and Ann Hoppa on November 26th, 1965 in Baltimore, Maryland. Growing up alongside her five older brothers Ray, Patrick, Bob, Tim, and Thomas and one older sister Michele, Nancy quickly learned that in order to be noticed she had to make herself heard. This was a lesson she carried with her the rest of her life.

In addition to her spunky and feisty spirit, Nancy was also a highly intelligent woman who greatly valued her education. After graduating from Mercy High School, she pleaded with her parents to attend college. Following many negotiations and compromises, she enrolled in Salisbury University and became the first in her family to earn a bachelor's degree. However, she did not stop there. She then went on to earn a Master's in Biology from Johns Hopkins University, which led her to spend over fifteen years doing molecular and cell biology research. Her love of science guided most of her life and greatly impacted how she chose to live. Most of her free time was spent either admiring nature or conserving the environment around her by planting trees, starting pollinator gardens, and partnering with organizations like the Oyster Recovery Partnership. This passion for science also in time led her to become a middle school science teacher, most recently working in Baltimore City Public Schools. However, she truly was a lifelong learner who constantly sought ways to keep exploring knowledge.

Unsurprisingly, her venturesome spirit also translated to a love of travel. She backpacked Europe multiple times and could often be found scuba diving in a variety of different countries. From swimming with whale sharks, to hiking volcanoes, to biking along the French countryside. But, if you asked Nancy, her biggest adventure was raising her three daughters Raina (22), Alana (17), and Reese (15), and all of her various dogs, most recently Lola and Ginger. She was an amazing mother who sacrificed everything for her girls. She instilled in them independence, courage, hard work, and the ability to stand up for themselves as well as others. Most importantly she taught them that they were strong and capable of great things.

Overall, knowing Nancy was one of the greatest gifts anyone could be given. Because to know Nancy was to know one of the toughest and most beautiful souls to ever grace this earth. She was a loyal defender, the life of the party, and a champion for the underdog. She truly followed the beat of her own drum and her passing has left an immense amount of friends and family heartbroken, because a world without Nancy is a much less vibrant place. But if she were still here, she would tell us to raise a toast and hit the dance floor. So, cheers to the icon that was Nancy Hoppa!

A memorial service will be held for Nancy Saturday, September 24th at St. Michael The Archangel Church, 10 Willow Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21206 beginning at 10am with reception following at The Gunpowder Lodge, 10092 Belair Road, Kingsville, MD, 21087.

Contributions in Nancy's name may be made to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation , 6 Herndon Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403.