Janet Hope

Janet was born in Abingdon, Berkshire, England and died on April 10, 2025 at the age of 81. Her parents were Harold Arthur Hasthorpe and Catherine Elizabeth Hasthorpe. Older brother, John Hasthorpe, and younger sister Liz Hasthorpe. She is survived by her son Steve (Lisa) of Chattanooga and daughter Liddy (Bridget) of Manhattan, IL, stepsons Rick (Orlando, FL) and Danny (Sally) Cocoa Beach, FL and stepdaughter, Pam (Danny) of Owasso, OK, grandchildren Uvonnne, Roxanne, James, Chaz, Emma, Maddy and Sydnee as well eight great grandchildren. Janet grew up in Wallingford, a scenic market town on the River Thames. At 21 she moved to Miami, FL where she lived and worked as a legal assistant for 12 years. She married her husband, Joe, in 1971. They were married until Joe’s death in 2020. In the mid-1970s, the family moved to Chattanooga for Joe’s work. During this time, Janet worked for several law firms in Chattanooga before returning to college. She graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1987 Magna cum Laude with a degree in Sociology. Janet went on to pursue graduate work in Sociology, earning a PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1992. She began her college teaching career at Eastern Illinois University, and later moved to The College of St.Benedict/St.John’s University in St.Joseph, MN. Joe became what he called an “old tagalong”. Janet retired in 2012 and they returned to Chattanooga to be closer to family, friends and their church community. Janet was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she was blessed with a wonderful and warm church family and pastors. It was through her church family that Janet met her true love and last great adventure, Dave Klepper. Janet and Dave enjoyed many adventures together, delighting in their families, deep faith and lots of laughter. Janet was in awe of finding this love with Dave, calling him “my miracle”. Janet will be missed by many. Known for her quick wit, fierce intellect, and unreserved “tell it like it is” attitude; Janet also had a huge heart and charitable soul. At the age of 27, Janet took in her pre-teen stepsons, and whatever other friends that needed a meal, clean clothes, or a place to stay. This generosity was true throughout her life. An avid reader, Janet was rarely seen without a book, or a glass of wine and often both. She loved her cats, as could be seen in her collection of cat earrings, socks and clothing. As a retired professor, Dr. Hope inspired many through her innovative teaching, support and unyielding expectations that her students do their best. For many, Janet was “that one teacher” who helped change their life; she always found her own unique way to impact and connect with her students. Her intellect and wit remained to the end. As we say goodbye, in the words of Janet, remember: “When in doubt, be inappropriate.” The family is thankful to the staff and medical team at Lancaster General as well as our family and friends who supported us throughout her illness. A memorial service and luncheon will be held on June 28th, 2025 at 11am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hixson Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Waddell Scholarship Fund, c/o of Trinity Lutheran Church or to the Humane Society of Chattanooga.

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Janet Hope

July 13, 1943 - April 10, 2025