Marijo Elder

Marijo Hilpert Elder passed away on July 14, 2020 at her home in Hopewell. She was born in Anchorage, AK but was raised mostly in Hopewell, VA where her mother’s family had lived since the early 1900s.Marijo was pre-deceased by her husband, Neil Elder; her parents, Joseph and Alberta Hilpert; and her father-in-law, Harvey “Bill” Elder. She was married 47 years to Neil Elder, her high school sweetheart.
Marijo is survived by her daughter, Kendel Elder Yates ( Charlie Lewis); grandchildren Haley, Peyton (Smitty), and Kristian Yates (Ashton); brothers Lance and Bruce Hilpert; nieces Morgan Hilpert, Courtney Carreon and Amy Smith; nephews, Jon Hilpert and Adam Elder; mother-in-law Mary Elder; sister-in-law, Patsy (Pat) Stuard; and brother-in-law, Gilbert “Gibby” (Pam) Elder.
Marijo was a graduate of Hopewell High School and John Tyler Community College, where she completed a certification program as an electrician. She began work at Allied (Honeywell) Chemical plant in the 1970’s. While many of her co-workers were skeptical of their first female co-worker, Marijo soon won them over with her competence, intelligence and friendly, outgoing personality. At Allied, she earned a reputation as one of the best electricians on the job and certainly, one of the kindest. Marijo was always ready to drop anything to help and teach others and she trained two a host of local electricians at the plant. She was loved by all who worked with her.
Marijo loved the outdoors and many activates including gardening, camping, canoeing, and fishing. Her special place was the farm where she and Neil spent as much time as possible. A special joy were the animals there and she delighted in keeping track of the turkeys, deer, raccoons and bears. She lived her life in Hopewell, but her heart was always on the farm. Marijo was an incredibly kind, friendly and caring person whose smile and welcoming words would make anyone feel at home in her presence.
The family is being served by the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com . Memorial donations may be made to the Hopewell Humane Society.