Chelsea Hopkins of Taunton remembered as 'sunray' — daughter was 'center of her world'
Chris HelmsTAUNTON — People who worked with Chelsea Hopkins at Commonwealth Alternative Care in Taunton remember the 28-year-old as always ready to help.
"She was a sunray of light, so bubbly and loud," said Tia Anderson, a friend and co-worker.
Hopkins died in an Aug. 16 single-car crash on East Britannia Street near the Taunton-Raynham line. Co-workers are raising funds to put in a savings account for Hopkins' 8-year-old daughter, Emilia Geherty.
"She was brilliant, smart and going places," said Teresa Butterbaugh, president and general manager of the medical marijuana company. "She was just an amazing girl."
A Taunton resident and native of Brockton, Hopkins graduated from Brockton High School in 2010 and attended UMass Dartmouth, according to her obituary.
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During her high school and college years, she participated on the dive team, her obituary said.
"An outgoing and caring person, she was the 'life of the party' and loved the beach, lady bugs, sunflowers and mermaids," her family wrote in her obituary.
"Her daughter was the center of her world."
The GoFundMe was organized by Butterbaugh. Hopkins worked as a materials manager, according to her obituary.
"Chelsea was taken from us too soon," the GoFundMe says.
"Our goal as a team and family is to provide funds for Chelsea's 8-year old daughter when she becomes 18 years of age. Chelsea took care of all of us and was such a bright light in everyone's day — we want to ensure Emmi continues to be touched by her momma," the GoFundMe says.
The money being raised will collect interest, and be made available to Emilia when she reaches 18.
Anderson said she and Hopkins, along with other friends, had enjoyed an evening of karaoke at Bobby's Place in Taunton the night of the crash.
Want to help?
Co-workers of Chelsea Hopkins are raising money for a savings fund that will be given to Hopkins' 8-year-old daughter, Emilia, when she turns 18. https://gofund.me/b8fdd934
Send your news tips to reporter Chris Helms by email at CHelms@tauntongazette.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Taunton Daily Gazette.