Maudene "Marti" Carmichael Hoppin

Maudene "Marti" Carmichael Hoppin, 78, died on August 9, 2008 in Carson City, as the result of a pulmonary embolism.

Marti was born in San Bernardino, Calif. and grew up in Van Nuys, Calif., Her father, John G. Carmichael, was a prominent Baptist minister there. An enthusiastic and talented piano student throughout her childhood, she was an accomplished classical pianist and had placed in several competitions by the time she graduated from Van Nuys High School. She received her BA from the University of Redlands in California, where she majored in Education and Music, and was president of the Delta Kappa Psi sorority. Until her retirement, Marti resided in Studio City, Calif. where for more than 25 years she was a highly regarded and popular kindergarten teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School District. After retirement she and her husband of 38 years, Darby Hoppin, settled in Lamoille, later in Lake Tahoe, and finally to Carson City, where they continued to enjoy many outdoor activities.

Marti is survived by her husband and her nieces and nephews, Gary Carmichael, Diane Carmichael Maxwell, Steven Carmichael and Terrie Carmichael; sister-in-law Beverly Carmichael and her stepson Barry Hoppin and stepdaughter Mellaurie Gilmore; her husband Steve and their children Cass and Paige.

She is preceded in death by her brothers, Glen and Dan Carmichael and one stepdaughter, Heidi Hoppin.

Marti will be remembered for her love of nature and animals, particularly horses, her love of all things western, her sense of humor, her loyal friendships, her original sense of style, and her love of life. She was bright star in her family's and her friends' universe.

FitzHenry's Funeral Home is caring for arrangements.