Obituary: Ethel Hilowitz Kopkin

Ethel Hilowitz Kopkin, 88, born July 4, 1931, in Bronx, N.Y., entered into rest peacefully in her home in Sandy Springs April 4, 2020. Raised in Chattanooga, Tenn., Ethel earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and her master’s degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Given her desire to keep learning, Ethel later earned a specialist degree followed by another master’s in education from the University of Georgia.

She started her career as a teacher, then went into school administration. Eventually, Ethel became a principal at Sope Creek Elementary, where she received a National School of Honor award presented by then President Ronald Reagan.

Ethel’s utmost passions in life were her family and faith. She met Theodore, the love of her life, while living in Chattanooga. They were married in 1951 and moved to Atlanta in 1958, where they raised their family. Ethel’s greatest love was creating a legacy wrapped in the rich traditions of Judaism for her family, especially her children and grandchildren. She treasured filling her home with her loved ones, especially over the holidays, and never missed an opportunity to create a Kodak moment. Her cherished moments caught on film filled her with incredible joy throughout her long life.

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She was a longtime member of Temple Sinai in Atlanta and was dedicated to caring for those less fortunate.

Ethel was predeceased by her adoring husband of 64 years, Theodore Kopkin. She is survived by her daughter Marian Kopkin and son Mark Kopkin of Atlanta; four grandchildren,