Stella Winifred (Ryan) Hopkins

STELLA WINIFRED HOPKINS: A LIFE OF ART AND LOVE (1925–2025)

Stella Winifred (Ryan) Hopkins (Winnie), a beloved artist, devoted mother, and proud centenarian, passed away peacefully at the remarkable age of 100 on October 24, 2025, embraced by the love of her family at Mass General Hospital. Stella was the Eldest member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head, who will be laid to rest next to her Uncle Grover, Aunt Eva and her parents at the Tribal Cemetery.

Born in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, on October 19, 1925, Winnie was the middle of three daughters born to Charles William and Bessie Belain Ryan. She was raised in the vibrant community of Gay Head, Martha’s Vineyard, a place that shaped her spirit and her art.

A Passion for Art and Education

At age 18, following high school, Stella moved to Chicago, Illinois, eager to pursue her passion for drawing and experience life beyond the Vineyard. While studying at the Art Institute of Chicago, she held various part-time jobs, including a memorable stint as a coat checker at the Drake Hotel, where she was awestruck by a visiting Cary Grant. During this time, she was offered a full scholarship by LeRoy Nieman but ultimately chose to attend the Vesper George School of Art in Boston, Massachusetts, where she earned her associate's degree.

Demonstrating her lifelong commitment to learning, Stella returned to college at age 78 in 2003, enrolling at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. For two years, she would travel to class aided by her cane or walker before proudly receiving her bachelor's degree at age 80.

After receiving her degree, she continued to attend illustration classes at the Cambridge Center Adult Education. Hundreds of these beautiful drawings adorned her Cambridge apartment.

Career and Legacy

Stella's artistic flair blossomed into a successful career in fashion illustration and graphic arts. She worked as a Fashion Illustrator for prominent New England department stores, including Denholm and McKay, Filenes, Jordan Marsh, R.H. Whites, and Giant Stores. Later in her career, she transitioned to graphic arts, working as a Graphic Artist for Verizon.

Family

Stella was preceded in death by her late husband, Dr. Thomas F. Hopkins, her sisters, Esther Kestenbaum and Patricia Malonson. She is also survived by her loving family, daughter: Thea L. Hopkins and her husband, Daniel Gewertz, son, Thomas Hopkins and his wife, Eunice Fernandes and son, Charles Hopkins.

In addition, Stella was the adored grandmother of six: Heidi Enea, Amie Egbuniwe, Christopher Hopkins, Hope LaBonty and two step-grandsons, Zachary and Isaac Pfosi. She was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Nailah, Violet, Ferryn, Stella, Genievieve, Elliot, Luca, and Emory, and who brought immense joy to her later years.

Services and Donations

A celebration of life will be held at the Community Baptist Church Gay Head on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Followed by the 12:15 burial at the Tribal Cemetery and a 1:00 gathering at the Tribal Community Center

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Native Arts and Culture Foundation to honor Stella's roots and artistic spirit. (https://www.nativeartsandcultures.org/)

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stella Winifred (Ryan) Hopkins, please visit our floral store.