Lora Brewster "Brucie" Hopkins

In Loving Memory of Lora Brewster Buckingham Hopkins (“Brucie”)

Lora Brewster Buckingham Hopkins, known affectionately by all as "Brucie," passed away on October 2nd, 2026, A woman of boundless energy, warmth, and perception, Brucie lived a full and vibrant life centered on family, community, and lifelong learning.

Born in New Rochelle, New York, to Lora Jenkins Green and Alfred Oliver Buckingham, Jr. Brucie grew up in a bustling, three-story historic home filled with family, formal Sunday dinners, and music. The oldest daughter of five children, childhood summers were spent packed into the family station wagon headed for Weathersfield Center, Vermont—tending gardens, helping on neighboring farms, swimming in the Black River, and watching the northern lights from high pastures.

A natural leader, Brucie was active in student council from elementary through high school, played string bass in the orchestra, and performed with the Band Boosters. She attended Coe College for a year, then moved to Kansas City, Missouri.

In May 1964, a blind date introduced her to the love of her life, Bill Hopkins. The two were married in April 1965 and shared 62 wonderful years of marriage and world adventures - exploring England, France, China, Tibet, Uruguay, Spain, Hungary, Italy, Greece and the Galapagos Islands.

While raising her daughter, Becky, Brucie earned her degree in Elementary Education from UMKC in 1970. She then spent 12 years as the endearingly named "Chief Rat Lady" with the Dairy Council of Greater Kansas City, bringing hands-on science and nutrition experiments to over 450 elementary schools. In 1985, Brucie launched a successful 35-year real estate career with JC Nichols Company. In 2001, Becky joined her to form the Hopkins Team, creating a cherished mother-daughter partnership that served the Kansas City community for decades.

Brucie was an extraordinarily creative spirit and a master host who made everyone feel welcome. An outstanding cook, she filled her home with good food, lively conversation, and handiwork—dabbling in pottery, watercolor, weaving, and sewing. In the garden, she was fearlessly brave, never hesitating to prune back plants to encourage stronger, fuller growth. She was also a dedicated member of both the ATC study group and the Morning Market Minders Investment Club.