Sally Kaye (Senn) Hooper


Sally Kaye (Senn) Hooper, 75, of Bellevue, WA, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Jan. 31, 2011 at Overlake Hospital, after an unexpected medical emergency.  A bright light has dimmed, but is now shining with the Lord.

Sally was born on Sept. 16, 1935 in Spokane, WA to Clement and Alice Senn.  She grew up in Sunnyside, WA, the oldest of 4 children. Her family often traveled to visit relatives, which included her Aunt in the grain-elevator community of Johnson, WA.  Living right next door was the Hooper family. Sally met her future husband, Paul, in Johnson.

She attended Washington State University, where she was active in many organizations and made many lifelong friends. She graduated in 1958 with a BS in Home Economics/Education. Sally married Paul Hooper On August 22, 1959. They lived in Vancouver, WA and she started her teaching career at Fort Vancouver High School. Sally and Paul moved to Bellevue, WA in 1961. After spending a few years raising three young boys, Sally started teaching in the Bellevue School District in 1967. She retired in 1997 after 30 years at Interlake High School. She worked hard and proudly built a top-notch Home Economics program at Interlake and even advised the Honor Society.

Sally was a member of 1st Presbyterian Church of Bellevue where she was an active participant in their Bible Study Fellowship.  Sally was an active WSU supporter and a member of the Alumni Assoc. She was  involved with the East Lake WA Home Economists Group, Daughters of Norway, Red Hats and numerous other groups.  She volunteered weekly at the Puget Sound Blood Center in Bellevue and had been a blood donor for many years. She also enjoyed attending live performances at the Village Theater, the Seattle Symphony and any other venue that seemed interesting.

Sally was truly a relationship builder. She enjoyed the company of her family and many friends, especially the WSU group. She made sure to reach out and share the news of family and friends with everyone she could. Staying connected was valued by Sally. She kept her house open to anyone that wanted to come by and even participated in a vacation home exchange group that allowed her to hosts guests from all over the world.

She thoroughly enjoyed traveling and after retirement she and Paul travelled often, both domestically and internationally. Together they had visited many places in the world. After Paul’s passing in 2008, Sally continued travelling and visiting family and friends. She also continued her worldwide travels and it was on a Cruise around Cape Horn in South America where she fell ill.

Sally was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Paul and her parents. She is survived by her 3 sons, Todd (Martie), Craig (Jill) and Jeff (Betsy); brothers Ron and Don Senn and sister Sherrill Mozey. She was proud of her grandchildren, Johnna (31), Taylor (21), Kelly (13) and Clay (7).

A Memorial Service will be held at 1 PM on Friday, Feb. 25, 2011 at 1st Presbyterian Church of Bellevue. Remembrances may be made to the Puget Sound Blood Center. An online guest register is available at www.bartonfuneral.com

17 Responses to “Sally Kaye (Senn) Hooper”

  • Peggy Gerdes says:

    Sally is survived by twin brothers, a sister, and an aunt. She had many cousins. As the cousin living the closest, we were like sisters. I value her influence in my life. She leaves a legacy with 3 talented, loving sons and their families and many, many friends in the lives she touched. Sally is in heaven. I miss her, but we shall meet again — someday!
    With love, Peggy Gerdes

  • Sherry Senn Mozey says:

    It is not easy to say goodby to my sister and good friend. But memories are a lifeline and there are so many. I am so very proud of Todd, Craig and Jeff as they go though this difficult time. They followed their Mother’s wishes. Though we all want Sally here, she is with many family and friends and awaiting our arrival. May she wait a long time.

  • Helga Menke says:

    In 1962/63 I became member of the Senn family being an exchange student from Germany. Sally was my older sister and I admired her a lot because she knew how to manage her family so well. During my stay in the US Craig was born and I felt like an aunt to Todd and the new baby. We kept loose contact via sister Sherry. My husband and I were proud to be hosts to Sally and Paul shortly after fall of the Berlin Wall. We had so much fun together! Now, Sally will be with Mom and Dad. The Memorial Service will take place on my birthday! I will be with you in my mind! God bless you!

  • Janet Blakley says:

    I met Sally just 2-3 yrs. ago through the Red Hat group. Even though we were just \new\ friends, I felt that I had known her all my life. Her sense of humor was infectious and we had several good laughs together at the Picasso show. She was a joy, and I am so grateful our paths crossed. She will be sorely missed in our RH outings. She was so very proud of her boys. May she rest in peace.

  • Marcia Peterson Patience says:

    I met Sally in September 1955 when I entered WSC and lived at Regents Hill. Sally was always fun; and when we Regents gals from our hallway would meet after graduation and in the later years for lunches in Bellevue, Sally was there – as was good good friend Mary Halloren, who also has passed on. Such a loss too soon for the family. I keep up with Janet Ashe Nelson; would love to hear from Annie, Arne, Grace, and Nancy!!

  • Marcia West says:

    Sally was a wonderful asset to our group of Red Hat Ladies. With her joy of living, she helped us all to enjoy ourselves to the fullest. We shall miss you, Sally, much love to your family; they have done a stellar job in honoring their Mother.

  • John Couch says:

    Sally was my wife’s (Lynn) mentor at IHS for 15 years. They were the best of times with Dr. Pick leading the charge at Bellevue’s newest highschool. Sal and Lynn made a great team, except when it came time for the Apple Cup and talk about whose team was the best. . .Cougs or Dawgs? Hoop always won out! If UW won, don’t bring it up to Sal on Monday! No good. Sally always sent Lynn a birthday card. What a sweet, special lady she was. See ya at the Heavenly banquet, Sal. Save us a seat. John and Lynn

  • Chellis Smith Swenson Jensen says:

    Dear Sally…how I miss you. Our little group of wazuers will never be the same. It was in the 70’s that brought us close together as 5 couples from WSU and many years of good dinners and friendship in each others homes. You were so excited about going on this trip! The saddest part is none of us ever got to say goodby. Thanks to Todd, Craig and Jeff for their caring,giving and sacrifice throughout these weeks. You have sons to be proud of, which is a credit to you and Paul. I shall always hear your soft laugh when I think of you. Goodbye, my dear friend.

  • margot Hightower says:

    Sally, your light shined so brightly! I want to thank you for being a very dear and special friend in my parents lives! The WSU gang , I have grown up watching you express true friendship and love for each other. Your laughter, humor and joy in each other is truly what life is all about! Sally, What a role model you and Paul were! You always cared about what was happening in my life and loved traveling with Barbie and Darrel! Thanks for teaching me what it means to be a giving, life long learner! But most of all thank you for being the bestest of family friends! We love you!

  • margot Hightower says:

    Sally and Paul were dear family friends! What a blessing for me to grow up with watching the WSU gang meet each month for friendship and dinners! Sally was a special, dear friend to my parents Darrel and Barbie Sharrard and shared so many fun times with them in their travels and appreciation of the arts! Any time I saw Sally she always cared about what was going on in my life! What an honor to have known such a bright light in our world! She was a wonderful role model and loved teaching and learning! We were so lucky to have known her! I am so glad my parents had such a special friend in Sally and Paul !

  • Jane Harris says:

    So sorry to hear of Mrs. Hopper’s passing. I was a student of hers at Interlake. She was so patient with her students and full of humor. I ultimately chose my career in education because of teachers like Sally Hopper. Rest in Peace.

  • Jane Harris says:

    So sorry to hear of Mrs. Hopper’s passing. I was a student of hers at Interlake c/o ’81. She was so patient with her students and full of great humor. Because of teachers and role models like Sally Hopper I ultimately chose a career in education. Mrs. Hopper rest in peace.

  • Becky Ridder Woodruff says:

    Dear Cousin Sally…Say it isn’t so, you have left us way to soon. So many memories over our years together with our families. The ones that stand out in my mind are the family times at the Washington beaches, your living with my folks in Olympia and dating Paul while I was still at home, and the great family reunions. I will always remember your voice and see your smile in my memories of you. Love and peace, Becky

  • Brian Meiners says:

    As one of the many nephews and nieces that Sally enjoyed on the Hooper side of the family, I sorrow with her family and friends in Sally’s passing. Yet sorrow is enveloped with hope knowing her faith in Christ has her in a better place with family and friends who’ve gone before into the presence of Jesus. Great memories of times with Sally, Paul, and my cousins closest in age to me. Todd, Craig, and Jeff – Molly and I send our best to you and your families as you embrace sorrow yet enjoy memories told in stories about your mom. Irreplaceable are mothers and priceless the treasures of good memories. The Peace of Christ to you all.

  • Margot Hightower says:

    Sally you and Paul have been very special friends in our family for years! What an honor to grow up seeing the WSU gang meet for great dinners and friendship! What a model you have been for showing how friends should be in our life! My parents Darrel and Barbie Sharrard have been blessed beyond measure having you to travel with and share so many wonderful moments in art, culture and friendship! You should be in Hawaii with them now and I know they are missing you! May your light continue to shine in all of us! You are so loved!

  • Margot Hightower says:

    Sally and Paul were amazing friends of the family! I was blessed growing up by watching the WSU gang get together for monthly dinners and friendship! Seeing the laughing, hearing the stories and knowing just how special this group is to one another. Sally loved traveling and attending all of the arts and cultural events around the region!! I loved having her travel with my parents and know she should be in Hawaii with them right now. She is dearly missed. Thank you Sally for being a wonderful role model for us all!

  • Dorelle (Anderson) Edwards says:

    Mrs. Hooper was my hom-ec teacher at interlake in the mid-seventies. She was warm and fun and welcoming. For all of us less than perfect Interlake High School students, her room was a haven at lunch time where we could sit and eat our lunch as an alternative to the cafeteria. She really cared about students and helped them through those difficult years just by opening her classroom as a home away from home. She was a special person who really found her calling in teaching. She was one of many wonderful teachers who impacted my life and helped me nurture others when I became an adult because of her example.

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