Andrea (Shapps) Gropper, 74, formerly of Andover, passed away on August 25 surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on July 27, 1944, the daughter of the late William and Edith (Rothman) Shapps.
Beloved by many friends, colleagues, and cousins, Gropper was born and raised in Chicago and is an alumna of Roosevelt University. She moved to Andover with her husband where they raised their two children. During this long period of her life she was the human resource director for 20 years at Arthur D. Little, Inc. in Cambridge. Her work at Arthur D. Little Inc. was followed in 2003 by the creation of Merik Associates, her independent human resources consulting firm in the Merrimack Valley. Her company focused on providing services to small business owners and underserved populations.
Merik Associates was recognized by the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce with the Woman Owned Small Business Award. In addition to being a small business owner, Gropper was an instructor in human resources management at Northern Essex Community College from 2009-2017. Teaching granted Gropper the opportunity and satisfaction of being able to give back to the community that had provided much for her and her family. Her teaching and business career offered invaluable knowledge and support to individuals and businesses in the Merrimack Valley. Her love for her children, grandchildren and family knew no bounds. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her, her family, friends, colleagues, and students.
She was married to Kenneth Gropper on March 15, 1970 and was predeceased by Kenneth in 1998. She is survived by her son Eric Gropper (Lisa Kirk Gropper) grandchildren Emery and Pilar, daughter Megan Gropper grandchildren Aleksandrea Elizabeth and Kenzie. She is also survived by her sister Pamela (nee Shapps) Cowin and her husband Stuart, aunt to Piper, Jason and David; her sister-in-laws Elaine Jacobs and her late husband Samuel, aunt to Dasha and Shira; and Sheila Gropper Nelson.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral service on Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 11 a.m. in Temple Emanuel, 7 Haggetts Pond Road, Andover. Burial will follow in Temple Emanuel Cemetery, Lawrence. Arrangements are by H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Homes Bradford – Haverhill. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Gropper/Shapps Memorial Fund at Temple Emanuel (Andover, MA) or the ASPCA (memorial donation).