Gertrude Elsa (Hopkae) Derrick
October 28, 1927 — February 24, 2013
Gertrude “Judy” Elsa (Hapke) Derrick
Loved to Teach -
Gertrude “Judy” Elsa (Hopkae) Derrick, 85, of Carlisle , died Church of God Home, Carlisle on Sunday, February 24, 2013. She was born in Berlin, Germany, on Friday, October 28, 1927, daughter of the late Frank and Augusta Hapke.
Judy’s survivors include her loving children, Carmen Ann (Derrick) Smith of Dillsburg, William Derrick of Redmond, WA and his wife Susan; six grandchildren, John Smyser, Tara Smyser, Kelly Duck, Heather Smyser, Shane Derrick, Andrea Derrick; and six great-grandchildren.
Among those preceding Judy in death is a brother, Rudy Hopkae, who she was very close to before he was killed while serving in WW II.
Judy graduated from high school in Berlin and worked for the US Army for six years. It was during this time she met and married Captain James (Jim) Derrick. Judy and Jim came to the United States in 1953 and resided in New Cumberland. She returned to school, enrolled, and graduated with a teaching certificate from the University of Maryland. Judy taught English and World Cultures. All through her adult years, Judy taught school wherever she and her husband were stationed. She loved teaching and enjoyed junior and senior high school students. She liked to play cards and bowl on occasion. When Judy finally retired from teaching, she tested and boxed chocolate for Dutch Pantry , in Mt. Holly Springs, for something to do.
Cremation and interment will be private and at the family’s convenience.
Judy’s family has entrusted her care to Myers–Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Judy’s full obituary, share your memories and photos, offer your condolences and view her memorial video and portrait at