Swim league's Olga Hopkins dies at 90

Olga Motley Hopkins was a vivacious presence in Valley Stream who formed a Nassau County swim league and loved Irish poetry, family said.

Hopkins, 90, who worked at the Arthur J. Hendrickson Park and Pool in Valley Stream from its opening in 1958 until she retired as its director in 1980, died May 3 at age 91.

"Every August, they put on a spectacular water show at the park that was very avant-garde for its time, with synchronized swimming," her son, Michael Hopkins of Garden City, said. "Dad was the volunteer announcer. They put on quite a show. They were a pretty incredible couple. Hundreds of local children went through the programs at that pool, and I would like to think that she was an influence on their lives."

Olga Hopkins also joined the local chapter of the National Organization for Women when it formed in the late 1960s, family said.

After retiring she and her husband, Joseph, moved to Westhampton, where they were active in community affairs and hosted "The Poet's Corner" on cable television. He died in 1993, and she moved into her son's home in Garden City about 10 years ago. That was where she died.

In all that time, she also kept up with Valley Stream. "She was a Valley Stream girl her entire life and maintained her family and social relations in Valley Stream after her retirement," said another son, Garrett Hopkins of Massapequa.

She is also survived by a daughter, Olga Mary Murray, of Oakdale; and nine grandchildren. Another son, Kevin Hopkins, died in 1993.

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A memorial service will be at 9 a.m. Saturday at Holy Name of Mary Church in Valley Stream.