There are condolences waiting approval on Sara's Tribute wall
Celebrating the life of Sara "Sally" Hoffman
Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Sara.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Sara "Sally" Hoffman
Sara (Sally) Catherine Hoffman, 71, of Oxford, Michigan, died Wednesday October 24, 2012 at her home in Oxford, following a six-month battle with uterine cancer. Her siblings and family were by her bedside.
Sally was born August 25, 1941, in Berea, Ohio, to Daniel and Julia Martin. Baptized April 19, 1942, at St. Mary Church in Berea. Sally attended Catholic schools and graduated from St. Joseph High School in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1959. She graduated from College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1963 with a BA degree in education. She taught kindergarten and first grade students in Cleveland, Ohio, Nevada, Iowa, Warren, Michigan, and Utica, Michigan, until retiring from Utica Schools as an Administrator in 1997.
While teaching in Nevada, Sally met Dickie D. Hoffman, who was attending Iowa State University, College of Engineering, Ames, Iowa. The couple married on May 30, 1966, at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Ames. Their son Jacob was born July 1, 1967; daughter, Julia, on July 15, 1968; and son Joseph on November 11, 1969.
In her early years, Sally enjoyed playing tennis, bowling and sailing. One of her first jobs was as a hospital-tray girl, in Berea. Her desire to care for and comfort others continued into adulthood as a loving mother, wife, educator and friend. She volunteered as a hospice home care giver, sitter for the grand children and cared for her parents in her home in Romeo, Michigan, for about three years.
Sally loved to spend time on Madeline Island in LaPointe, Wisconsin, where she and Dick built a home in 1990, with access to Lake Superior. The couple lived on Madeline Island full-time from 2004-2007. Sally was able to spend time enjoying her hobbies, including cooking, knitting, crafting, quilting and gardening. She worked/volunteered at the Madeline Island Woods Hall Craft Shop, the Madeline Island Museum, Madeline Island Association, Dockside Gift Shop, and the LaPointe Health Clinic.
In 2007, Sally and Dick moved to Oxford to be closer to their three grandchildren. Becoming a grandmother was a special time for Sally. She was always available to care for the grandchildren and spend time with them passing along her skills in cooking and crafting.
Sally and Dick continued to spend summers on Madeline Island and enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends. Sally had a truly kind spirit, which was evident to everyone she met, and she excelled at every passion she pursued -- from making the “Best Pie Crust” in the Universe to stitching the warmest blankets, quilts, and sweaters. She showed genuine interest in other’s lives and support for their happiness. She loved each of us as an individual and overlooked our faults.
Sally is survived by her husband, Dick; son Jacob L. Hoffman of Huntington Beach, California; daughter Julia F. (Kevin) Moses of Ortonville, Michigan; son Joseph D. (Cynthia) Hoffman of Leonard, Michigan; granddaughter Josie Hoffman; grandsons Joshua Hoffman and Nathan Moses; brother Frank B. (Nancy) Martin of St. Paul, Minnesota; brother John O. (Mary Jo ) Martin of Fairborn, Ohio; sister Louise E. (Bjarne) Rasmussen of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and sister Jessie Ayani (aka Mary Martin) of Mt. Shasta, California. Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel J. and Julia E. (Oviatt) Martin.
Because Sally spent so much time and cared so much for the St. John’s Church Woods Hall Craft Shop, we have established a memorial fund in her name. In lieu of flowers, send your donation to St. John’s, P.O. Box 14, LaPointe, Wisconsin, 54850 and memo line “Sally”.
Pastor Marina of St. John’s Church will conduct the prayer service, held Thursday, November 1, 2012, at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 39 West Burdick, Oxford, Michigan, 48371, ph. 248-628-3100. Visitation begins at 4:30 pm and prayer service at 6:00 pm.
Following the service there will be food and beverages served at the Hoffman’s home at 850 Golf Villa, Oxford, Michigan.
Condolences may be sent by email to ddschoffman@gmail.com
