Amherst , MA – Sophie Caroline Hodgkins (Boyden), 90, died peacefully at home on January 19, after a brief illness. She was born in Holyoke, on November 2, 1935. She grew up in Pelham and then lived in Amherst for the remainder of her life. She was the daughter of Edward and Iva (Page) Boyden.
Sophie graduated from Amherst Regional High School in 1953. During her high school years, she worked at a Hadley farm before school, sewing tobacco. She then worked as a waitress at the Colonial, a restaurant in the center of Amherst. In 1953, Sophie married Donald “Hodge” Hodgkins and they soon started a family. While their two children were young, she worked as a full-time mother. In 1963, she began working as the bookkeeper and office manager at Gibson’s/Paige’s Chevrolet where Hodge was the parts manager. She was a devoted and invaluable employee at the dealership for over 50 years until she was forced to retire in 2014 at the age of 78 when the dealership closed, then called Classic Chevrolet.
Sophie loved sports and Nascar. She bowled in a Tuesday night league in Hatfield for many years. She loved the Red Sox, the Celtics, and the Patriots. She had season tickets to UMass basketball going back to their years playing in “the Cage.” She also loved going to Foxwoods with best friends, Jayne and Peter, to play the slots and she almost always came home a winner. As her children started to play sports and participate in activities, she never missed a game or recital. For 65 years, she enjoyed her annual trip to Wells Beach in Maine with her extended family.
In 1991, Sophie became a grandmother, and eventually had four grandchildren, who called her Grammy. She adored her grandchildren and babysat frequently despite working full-time. She spent all day on Sundays preparing large dinners for her family into her mid-80’s. There were always plenty of left-overs for everyone to take home. When her grandchildren started to play sports, dance, and do gymnastics, she always supported their endeavors by attending their games, meets, and recitals. Sophie loved Christmas, surrounding the tree with dozens of presents for her family.
Sophie was greatly loved and respected by all who had the good fortune of knowing and working with her. Her family adored her and describe her as kind, generous, loving, funny, thoughtful, caring, humble, and hard-working. She was very close to Hodge’s siblings, Phyllis (Sissy), Marcia, Paul, and Walter (Hocky). Whether it was a friend, neighbor, or customer, she always greeted them with a beautiful smile.
Sophie is survived by her daughter Deborah Fredenburgh of Amherst and her daughter Tara, as well as her son Donald Jr. of Amherst, his wife Sarah, and their children, Jason, Daniel, and Jennifer. Her husband, Donald, died in 2005, two months after their 50th wedding anniversary party which was blessed with a double rainbow. She was also predeceased by her sisters, Louise, Olive, and Frances, and her brothers Teddy and Billy.
The family wishes to thank VNA Hospice of Cooley Dickinson Hospital, the Center for Extended Care at Amherst, and the Douglass Funeral Service for their care and support.
Calling hours will be held at the Douglass Funeral Service on Friday, January 30, from 10:00-11:30 with a brief service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Dakin Humane Society in Springfield.
Memorial Register at www.douglassfuneral.com.
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