Viola (O'Connor) Hopkina, 63 of Lake Andes

died at her home in Lake Andes Sunday, July 11, 2010. Her funeral service will be 11:00 am Thursday, July 15, 2010 at St. Mark's Catholic Church in Lake Andes with Brother Marty officiating. Burial will be in St. Phillip's Episcopal Cemetery, Lake Andes. Wake services began Monday at the Community Gym in Lake Andes. Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner is in charge of the arrangements.

Our dear Mother/relative, Viola Julia O'Connor, Wayang'inanjipi Win, was born August 1, 1946 to Julia Carrie Highrock O'Connor, Wayang'inanjipi Win, and William Keith O'Connor, Mato Asapi. At 9:55 AM, Sunday, July 11, 2010, she entered the Spirit World after a hard battle with cancer.

She fell ill with both osteo and Rheumatoid arthritis at a fairly young age. After which she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She beat this cancer and went into remission for twelve years. These are just a few of the many obstacles our Mother overcame. Despite these challenges, she never complained or pitied herself. She always had a smile on her face and made others laugh.

As a girl she attended school at the Old White Swan Couutry School. She graduated high school at Lake Andes Central High School in Lake Andes, South Dakota. Our Mother moved to California after High School, where she attended college in Long Beach, California. Her schooling ended abruptly as her parents fell ill and she returned home to care for them. She had many occupations over the years. Our Mother was very intelligent and resourceful, she could have been anything she wanted. But she chose God's path for her, a caregiver, a homemaker and a wonderful Mother.

Our Mother had a love for rummage sales, beautiful things, poetry, animals, God and for White Swan peoples, most of all her children and grandchildren. She often spoke of the beauty of White Swan and the time her people lived there, but also of the sadness that came when there were forced to leave there. Although her fight has ended, her struggle and compassion will never be forgotten. Our Mother was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Viola is survived by her husband, Armand Hopkins Sr.; her daughter, Julia Rose Rezak, Can Cikana Win; son, Roger Hopkins, Waditka; her daughter, Edna Hopkins, Mni Ska Win, Bobby Ream, her grandchildren: Quinlan Ream and baby Viola Rose Ream; and many other friends and relatives.

Viola was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Roger O'Connor, Waditka; her sister, Ramona O'Connor, Maga Ska Win; and many relatives and friends.