Florence Lily Banta Hopkins, Miss Milford 1955, dies at 76

Florence Lily Banta Hopkins, age 76, peacefully entered eternal rest on Feb. 13, 2013 with her devoted husband Frederick " Hoppy " Hopkins by her side. 

Florence was born June 4, 1936 in New Haven. Daughter of the late Franklin Banta and Esther Alling Banta She was a lifelong resident of Milford as well as Miss Milford 1955 and runner-up to Miss Connecticut 1955. 

She had a singing career which included singing on the radio with Bob Crane on WICC Bridgeport. She furthered her education in Photography in New York. She managed the Photo Departments for Reads in Bridgeport and Macys in New Haven. Florence was the founder of Hopkins Studio in Milford.

She married her high-school sweetheart, Fred Hopkins, and became a dedicated wife and mother. She loved music, cooking, shopping, casino trips, and spending time with her family. She was loved by everyone who knew her. 

Besides her husband Fred of 56 years, Flo leaves her son, Fred Hopkins and wife Patti; daughter Julieanne Hopkins-Gianotti and husband Gary; grandson Chris Hopkins and wife Rachel and great-granddaughter Arya; as well as granddaughters Nicole Hopkins, Ella Lily Hopkins-Gianotti, and Livia Julieanne Hopkins-Gianotti . Flo also leaves her sisters, Belle Clark, Norma Clark, Rosie Stanislawski. and many special nieces and nephews. 

She is pre-deceased by her brothers Johnny and Franklin Banta and sister Frances Banta. She will be greatly missed by her loving family.