Christa Hoppe

Christa Hoppe (née Droste-Helling)
March 26, 1939 - August 10, 2026

Christa Hoppe was born in Wuppertal, Germany. She was raised by her beloved great-aunt, Tante Lisschen, who was extraordinarily kind and generous. Some of her fondest childhood memories were of summers spent at the North Sea with her sister Ursel. From an early age, however, Christa dreamed of moving to the United States in search of new opportunities and a fresh start following challenging times in post-war Germany. After earning an associate's degree from a secretarial school in Germany, she secured a job with Volkswagen in Englewood, New Jersey, which allowed her to realize her dream of immigrating to America. In 1963, Christa met Gert, a fellow German immigrant who was then a foreign language teacher at Leonia High School. The two were introduced on a blind date and instantly fell in love. They were married in 1964 in Fort Lee and moved to Ringwood, New Jersey, in 1968. Christa continued to live in Ringwood after Gert's death in 2001, until her unexpected passing following a stroke.

Christa's life truly centered on love for family, a strong and grounding faith, and connections with her church and local community. She also worked as a secretary for Degussa/Cyplus Corporation in Allendale from 1991 to 2006. Christa was always there for friends and neighbors, quick to offer support whenever someone needed it. Being a wife to Gert, a mother to Martina and Gabriele, and a grandmother to Devon, Alex, Forrest, Luca, and Sabrina gave her the greatest joy and meaning.

She loved classical music, jazz, yoga classes, historical novels, gardening, watching hummingbirds, walking around Erskine Lake and Ringwood Manor with her beloved cockapoos, cooking, baking, sipping wine, sitting on her porch, and taking in the serenity of the lake.

She will be remembered for her sincere kindness and generosity, unending love for family and friends, as well as her steadfast faith in Jesus Christ.

Christa is survived by her daughters, Martina and Gabriele; her sons-in-law, Matthew and Michael; and her grandchildren, Devon, Alex, Forrest, Luca, and Sabrina. She was predeceased by her husband, Gert; her sister, Ursel; and her brother, Klaus.

A wake to honor Christa will be held on Thursday, September 17, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and a memorial service for family and close friends will be held on Friday, September 18, at 10:30 a.m. at Ramapo Valley Baptist Church in Oakland, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Christa's name to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Herr, in deine Haende sei Anfang und Ende, sei alles gelegt. Psalm 90,1. [Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.