Elaine L. (Hopkins) Chaponis, 87, of Newington, died peacefully on December 19, 2022 at Hartford Hospital after a two year long battle with cancer. She was born on January 20, 1935 in Hartford, the daughter of Delia (Hunt) and Michael Hopkins. She graduated from Hartford Public High School in 1952.

Elaine married in 1955 and raised five children with her husband John. She worked as a waitress for over 40 years, most recently at the Fernwood Restaurant for the last 30 years until she retired at age 74. Her positivity, love and kindness will never be forgotten by so many.

She enjoyed Broadway plays, golf, crossword puzzles, a little gambling, a lot of exercise, going out to dinner and time with her family, which brought her much joy and happiness. Her passion in her last years was watching her grandsons play basketball and she could always be found cheering at the sidelines. She rarely missed a game or a news article about them.

She is survived by her three daughters, Susan Chaponis and partner Tom Howell of West Hartford, Karen L. Nappo and her husband Bill of Avon, Maryann Fox and husband Jeff of West Hartford; her two sons, Daniel J. Chaponis of Newington and John J. Chaponis of Colchester, and three cherished grandchildren, Summer R. Chaponis of Woodstock and Riley J. Fox and Aidan T. Fox of West Hartford. She also leaves her special friend, Robert Sheltz and many wonderful and special nieces and nephews including Barbara Pandolfi who was like a daughter to her.

She was predeceased by six sisters, Mary Flannery, Nancy Forgione, Beatrice Radigan, Terry Shea, Rose Sarnowski, and Norene Grogan and four brothers, Michael Hopkins, Bernard Hopkins, Peter Hopkins and James Hopkins.

We would like to thank the entire 4th floor nursing staff at the Hartford Hospital Bone & Joint Institute for their continued care during her illness.

Calling hours will be at the Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford on Thursday, (December 29) from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 16 Greenwood Street, Hartford on Friday, (December 30) at 11:00 a.m. Please proceed directly to the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local Foodshare or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com