During the 2 decades we've been doing the Pasty Cam, my mother, Christine Hopper, has appeared a few times on these pages. She wasn't a Yooper, but occasionally traveled here, and truly enjoyed the natural beauty, the people, and the history of the U.P. Early this morning my mother made another journey, as she peacefully passed away at the age of 86. I have spent the last week with her in Alabama, where she was recuperating from a fall three weeks ago.

Last night when I visited my mom, we reminisced about our travels together. She had served as a cook at Camp Gitche Gumee in Eagle River, and on one of those tours of duty, I snapped the top shot above when a friendly butterfly found her down at Calumet Waterworks. The other butterfly was spotted by Donn de Yampert, who has contributed so many great photos to these pages.

A life well lived, she will be dearly missed. As I left her hospital room last night, one of the last things my mother said was, "Give everybody my love"... so that's exactly what I pass along to you.

Have a good week :o)

My deepest sympathies, Charlie...to you and your family. My mother is 92 and I'm waiting for that day.

My deepest condolences Charlie. So sorry for your loss.
Thank you for passing along her wishes.

Oh, Charlie. My deepest condolences on the loss
of your mother. You've suffered so much loss
lately. I know the day will come that I will lose
my mother also. So happy that you got to spend
the last week with her. I'm sure she was so
grateful to have you there.

Who doesn't love butterflies??

My sincerest condolences to you Charlie and all your Mother's family.

Charlie, My deepest condolences to you and your family. You were very fortunate to have time to spend with her. May your memories always bring a smile to you when you think of her and Edie. We're here for you as well !

Our love to you and your family, Charlie. May you be comforted as you celebrate your Mom's life.

Charlie, thinking of you this evening. My deepest
condolences to you and the rest of your family.
Thanks to your mother for the love she sent; we're
sending ours back to you and yours.

Charlie, I just now am checking the day's
page and am so saddened to learn of the
loss of your Mom. Sending you my
heartfelt sympathy. I'm so glad you were
able to spend such quality time with her
this winter and to have gotten back there
to spend more time again, before she
passed. RIP Christine...

My deepest sympathies Charlie. My mom passed away 10 months
ago so I know what you are going through. May our Lord bless you
and your family and hold you close and comfort you now and forever.
There is Joy and healing in knowing that we will all be together with
our Lord soon. Take care and thanks for all you do for all of us.

I found another shot in the Pasty Cam archives with my mom as a little girl.

My sympathies to you Charlie. I lost my Mom in 2010 so I can realize your loss...Bill

So, So sorry.....and now when you see a
butterfly....that's Mom...checking on you!!

Right, Donna, LOL - that thought actually occurred to me when I saw a moth last night :o)

Yes, Charlie. A life well lived and family that loved her and was
there with her to the very end of her earthly journey. I wonder what
her heavenly routine is like. God bless you and your family.

So sorry for your Loss Charlie. May God comfort you and your family.

My condolences to you.

I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother, Charlie. My condolences and may God bless you and your family with the wonderful memories you have.