Willa Hopstein Hackett

Willa Hopstein Hackett ("Hackie"), age 90, of Bennington died at her home on February 19, 2015. She was born in Los Angeles, CA September 22, 1924 to her parents Albert Francis Hopstein and Elizabeth Hopstein. Her husband, the Rev. Stephen H. Hackett, preceded her in death.She was a graduate of Fayetteville (NY) High School and Elmira College. She had a long career as a teacher and student activities coordinator in independent schools, including Marin Country Day School (CA), Miss Hall's School (MA), and Virginia Episcopal School. At her best estimate, she had over 4500 "kids", and she never failed to plan creative ways for them to learn --well. Together with her husband, they made boarding school feel like home for many students.She was an avid "dog lady", raising champion cocker spaniels and sharing dog stories with any willing listener. She was an active member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church and a feisty contributor to life at Filmore Pond, befitting her self-described nickname, "Wackie Hackie". She is survived by her children, Richard P. Hackett and wife Melodi of Portland, ME; Candace Hackett Shively and husband David of East Berlin, PA; a sister, Jean Porter of Holly Springs, NC. In addition, she is survived by four grandchildren: Christopher H. Shively and wife Janelle of Meridian, MS; Rachel Hackett of Williamsburg, MA, Erin B. Sheppard and husband Blake of Chevy Chase, MD, and Rebecca Hackett-Levy and husband Aaron of Brooklyn, NY. She is also survived by four great-grand-children and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Bennington. Hackie would be the first to tell you she was not a fan of flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 200 Pleasant Street, Bennington, VT 05201. A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Bennington.