Loretta (Bauer) Hopely

Loretta (Bauer) Hopely passed away with family by her side, on May 1, 2024 at age 93.  Loretta grew up as the "Bakers Daughter" as her parents William & Marie (Dammel) Bauer came from Germany and opened Bauer's Pastry Shop in North Philadelphia; then in 1960 moved the business to Bustleton Avenue in Far Northeast Philadelphia.  Bauer's Bakery was known far and wide for their incredible cakes and pastries baked daily by her Dad and two brothers, Fred and Willy Bauer.  Hard work doesn't begin to tell the story as baking started at 2am and continued all day long.  Our mom was the chief sales associate in the front of the store, organizing and waiting on customers plus managing the books. Mom shared her work ethic with her children at an early age as we participated by packing cookies at holiday time, wrapping their famous German stollen, cleaning cases and pans, and just being there for the little jobs we were assigned to.  The bakery closed after over 50 years of success but the memories still live on with customers continuing to share their stories of waiting in line to get their famous butter cake, or going every year to get their birthday cake.  Mom was always SO proud when she would meet someone who knew "the bakery" which happened all the time and most recently 2 weeks ago. We are all so blessed to have incredible memories of our grandparents and our mom coming home from work with this delicious aroma of baked goods!  Donut Day was her favorite holiday!

Mom married her man Norman J. Hopely, Sr. in 1953 and what an adventure it was!  They roller skated, ice skated, danced, attended baseball and football games, fished and traveled together and enjoyed their family immensely.  We were their pride and joy!

Mom loved to line dance, play pinochle and slot machines, get her hair done weekly, have breakfast at diners and help her children in any way she could.  Not unusual to have her visit to clean your windows, care for your kids, help you pack up your house or whatever you needed her to do. Mom was always the best cleanup companion after a large family dinner.  She was an immaculate housekeeper with the "no clutter" rule!  Mom was a devoted Engelbert Humperdinck fan!  She attended over 30 of his shows singing all the words to his songs.  Our last show was December 2023 and she still managed to get up to the stage and shake his hand at the end of the show.  Her smile was priceless!

After dad passed in 2012, mom stayed in her home still driving until age 90 when she started having some memory and cognitive issues.  Her children swooped in with shared custody in our homes until she passed away.  As difficult as it was to watch her decline we were happy to have the opportunity to "give back" some of the love and care we received throughout our lives.  Mom's greatest joy was her children, and she wanted nothing more than to be with them in her final years.  She loved baseball and football and now had an opportunity to go the her Great Grandchildren's games and get to know about basketball too.  She was known as "OMA" to her 7 great grandchildren who adored her. 

Everyone who came in contact with our Mom would say the same thing; "she's great to talk to", "she's so kind and generous", "what a great smile and twinkle in her eye", "wonderful beautiful lady", "great sense of humor", "I really really like your mom"; "such a lovely woman";" I have such fond memories of being with your mom".  Mom loved to meet people both young and old and share stories. Her advice to living a long and happy life is "A donut a day"!

Loretta is survived by her three children, Phyllis Struzinski (Alan), Carol Hopely Russo (Robert), and Norman Hopely, Jr. (Denise).  Her four grandchildren, Steven Struzinski (Meghan), Season Apple (Michael), Lindsay Carlisle (Scott) and Matthew Struzinski (Amy).  Her seven great grandchildren, Brennan, Griffin, James, Peyton, Scotty, Emma and Sammy.  Also survived by brother-in-law Robert Hopely, Sr. and many nieces and nephews and friends who adored her.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Viewing Monday, May 6, 2024, from 10 am to 11:30 am at the Fletcher-Nasevich Funeral Home, 9529 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19115. Funeral Service at 11:30 am. Interment to follow at Whitemarsh Memorial Park, Ambler, PA.

In lieu of flowers, Loretta's family is requesting donations to Nemours Children's Hospital. http://nemours.org

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