Hopeton Drake Kneeland Kimball

Hopeton Kimball passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 27, in Lincoln, Massachusetts, surrounded by family. Born in New York City, she led a well-rounded life there and in Millbrook, and in later years in Lincoln.

Her interests were many and varied. She was prominent in the Millbrook Hunt serving as joint and honorary master there, and active in the Masters of Foxhounds Association and foxhunting world generally for over seventy years. She owned many beloved hunters who carried her swiftly and safely over the countryside for many decades. She also loved and excelled in carriage driving, especially her pair of hackney ponies. She competed in combined driving shows throughout the Northeast and cherished the many friends she made along the way. She was active in the American Driving Society and after retiring from competition, she enjoyed being a judge.

Hopeton was a proud graduate of the Chapin School and Bryn Mawr College where she majored in English, and studied French, music and art history. She was an avid reader and traveled widely especially in England, Ireland and Scotland. At age 23, she accompanied Dame Flora McLeod, Chief of Clan McLeod, on a 6-month diplomatic tour around the world and spent time at Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye. She also cherished the many trips to Italy with her family when her in-laws were stationed at the American Academy in Rome in the 1960s.

In New York City, she served for many years as a tour guide at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, leading groups of children from all walks of life, including school groups from some of the city's most underprivileged neighborhoods, on highlights tours that introduced them to the wonders of Egypt and Ancient Greece.

A superb cook, Hopeton was an early devotee of Julia Child and Mastering the Art of French Cooking. She prepared daily meals with much enthusiasm for planning menus and perfecting recipes. With her late husband, Dick, she enjoyed myriad outdoor pursuits including tending to their beloved property on Fraleigh Hill, visiting Leadbetter Island Maine, nordic and alpine skiing, playing tennis, gardening, horse and corgi adventures, and attending Millbrook gatherings.

In recent years Hopeton has enjoyed spending time with her family and grandchildren. A life exceedingly well lived, she will be remembered for her elegant sense of style, keen eye for detail, intellect, warm hospitality, and twinkle in her eye.

She is predeceased by her husband, Richard A. Kimball Jr., her parents Deborah and Yale Kneeland Jr., her siblings Deborah, Yale and TA. She is survived by her daughter, Sylvia Kimball Perry of Lincoln MA, and her sons, George Kimball of Lexington MA, and Sam Kimball of New York City, and seven grandchildren Sam, Ben, Billy, Kate, Josephine, Sammy, Simon and Ginger.

A memorial service will be held at St. Peter’s Church, Lithgow – 696 Deep Hollow Road, Millbrook, NY on Friday, November 20 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers and to honor her deep love for Millbrook and Dutchess County, donations in her memory may be made to the Dutchess Land Conservancy, P.O. Box 138, Millbrook, NY 12545.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.