Carol (Hopkins) Siemion

Carol Hopkins Siemion Obituary  

       It is with profound sadness and admiration that we announce the passing of Carol Hopkins Siemion, a woman of extraordinary strength, vision, and courage, on February 26, 2025, at the age of 91. Her legacy as a trailblazer, leader, and fierce advocate for Women's Equality in the construction industry will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.  

       Born on December 6, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, Carol Hopkins Siemion was a woman ahead of her time. Her vibrant, caring spirit was apparent early on in life as she started with a successful modeling career and volunteered on the board of the Chicago Lyric Opera as well as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She then defied expectations and broke barriers when taking over leadership of Hopkins Illinois Elevator Company, making an impact in the Elevator Industry. Throughout her life, Carol exemplified the qualities of resilience, determination, and compassion. 

       Carol was a visionary, whose courage and conviction to create equal opportunity for women owned construction businesses transformed the elevator industry. Hopkins Illinois Elevator Company was the first certified independently woman owned elevator company in Chicago. It was also the largest independently woman owned elevator company. As President/Owner of Hopkins Illinois Elevator Company, she was a powerful voice for change, fighting tirelessly for small, women owned businesses to be seen as competitors and to have equal opportunities in the industry.  Under her directorship, HIECO was honored by being selected as one of Governor Edgar’s Top 100 Small Businesses in Illinois and served on this committee to help create laws promoting small and M/WBE businesses in IL.   

       Carol was one of the first members of the Federation of Women Contractors which was founded in 1989. She was passionate about this organization and what it represented. In March 2009, FWC honored her with the Trailblazer’s award. She was then inducted, in January 2016, as a Lifetime Member. She received the Small Business Innovative

       Management award from Bank of America. She was an active member of the Women’s Business Development Center as well. Her unwavering commitment to her principles inspired those around her to reach higher, dream bigger, and never settle for less. Her leadership was not only defined by her accomplishments but by the lives she touched and the opportunities she created for others.  

       In her personal life, Carol was a vivacious Mother and Gigi, whose love and devotion extended beyond measure. She had an innate ability to uplift others and inspire them to realize their full potential. Her support, mentorship, and guidance will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate to know her.  

       Carol had a true passion for women’s health and having an active lifestyle and ‘without fail’ workout every day. She loved doing yoga, aerobics, running and going on long walks.  She enjoyed gardening in her yard and being surrounded by nature.  

       Carol is survived by husband Edmund, brother Hugh Hopkins, daughters, Jenny Valentino and Cynthia (Sam) DeStefano, grandchildren Isabella and Alyssa Valentino, Michael and Luciana DeStefano, nephews Mark (Michelle) Hopkins and Chris Hopkins.   

       A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday March 3rd, 2025, at White-Love Funeral Home, Chesterton, Indiana. Visitation starts at10:30am with a memorial starting at 11:00am.    

       While the world has lost an incredible woman, her legacy will continue to live on in the lives she touched, the doors she opened, and the futures she helped shape. Rest in peace, Carol Hopkins Siemion. You will forever inspire, and your spirit will never be forgotten.  

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