Ann Hopkins Boulton

August 25, 1935 - November 18, 2016

Ann Hopkins Boulton of Northville, N.Y., died Friday, Nov. 18, 2016, at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady after a short illness. With Bruce, her beloved husband of almost 59 years, at her side, and after a day of chatting with family and friends, she took a few final breaths and went to be with her Lord. Ann was 81. Born Aug. 25, 1935, in West Orange, N.J., she was the daughter of Henry and Anna Hopkins. She graduated from West Orange High School and earned a nursing degree from Alfred University in 1957, a year before she and Bruce married. In her life, Ann, a registered nurse, was an accompanist in several senses of the word; it was a role she cherished, finding fulfillment in being supportive and giving, in music and in family. She played piano for high school theater productions, loved accompanying choirs and in recent years was the pianist and organist for the Northville United Presbyterian Church. In the kitchen, she had a few specialties, including apple pie, turkey gravy and her legendary inside-the-bird Thanksgiving stuffing. Its secrets were fragrant sage and indulgent amounts of butter. In her family, Ann adored her children and grandchildren, inquiring about their health, happiness, activities and achievements, and traveling when she could to see performances and celebrate events with them. Even while unwell she would turn the conversation to others, always wanting to know more about how they were and what they were pursuing. A lifelong reader, Ann took special pleasure in reading aloud with Bruce, each sharing passages from daily devotionals related to her lifelong Christian faith and excerpts from her favorite novelist, Jan Karon. In a most fitting conclusion, it was in written words that Ann found comfort and inspiration in her last days. Soon before she entered the hospital, she saw a message on a church sign: “Stop holding on and be held by Jesus.” She wrote it down. Ann is survived by her husband, Bruce; three children, Deborah Boulton of Rock City Falls, N.Y.; Bruce Boulton of Richmond, Va.; and Gary Boulton of Albany, Ore.; a sister, Ellen Hopkins Troianello of Rehoboth Beach, Del.; a brother, Henry Hopkins of Richmond, Calif.; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, at Northville United Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the church memorial fund, 161 Reed St, Northville, 12134