Obituary of Jean R. Hoffman

Jean Symons Richards Hoffman Elmira: Age 90, a long-time resident of Elmira, NY passed away peacefully on Saturday February 16, 2013 at Oak Hill Manor in Ithaca, NY. She was born August 16, 1922 in Elizabeth, NJ to the late Thomas Edward Richards and Annie Venable Richards. Jean and her late husband Edward "Ned" Kistler Hoffman met while attending Bucknell University and after graduating, were married on September 16, 1944. Following Ned's discharge from the Navy, they settled in Elmira in 1946. Jean is survived by her six children and spouses: Edward "Chip" K and Deborah C Hoffman, Jr of Newfield, NY; John "Rick" R and Roney Crusade Hoffman of East Thetford, VT; Martha H and Roger T Vaughan of East Thetford, VT; Thomas E Hoffman and Judith Condon of Elkins, WV; Daniel S and Maria Jose Cavia Hoffman of Santander, Spain; and Mary "Molly" H and Capt. William S Personius (USN, Ret) of San Diego, CA. She is also survived by her 16 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by her sister Grace Peters of Somerville, NJ and her sister in law Kay Richards of Hopewell, NJ. Her sisters Elinor Chafey of Hopewell, NJ and Frances Crampton of Westfield, NJ and her brother T Edward Richards, Jr of Hopewell, NJ all preceded her in death. Jean led a long and active life. In addition to raising six children, she devoted many hours of volunteer service to the Elmira community. She was a long time active member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church serving in the choir, altar guild and church council. She volunteered for many years with Arnot Ogden Auxiliary (busy at the snack bar), Meals on Wheels, March of Dimes, Girl Scouts and the Westfield, NJ and Elmira YWCA. As a founding member of the Neighborhood House women's running group, a bike rider, tennis player, and walker, Jean was committed to all things athletic. She was the Office Manager for the Elmira Pioneers baseball team in the mid 70's through the 80's. Her home always echoed with the sounds of baseball and tennis on the TV or radio and sometimes both! She also continued her education, attending Elmira College and completing coursework for her MS in Education. She also frequently spent time assisting her elderly neighbors and friends. A strong and loyal person, Jean held close to family and friends with frequent calls and regular correspondence. She loved driving, so no distance was too great for a visit. As a mother of six, she kept life in line through a steadfast dedication to structure - a list for everything, a tight schedule, and a regular afternoon nap. Her apparent single-mindedness masked an adventurous soul, always keen to meet new people, learn new things, and read anything she could get her hands on. When life got to be too much, she retreated to the family place on Seneca Lake, a special quiet place for Jean. There, she would often spend mornings picking berries or fruit - whatever was in season - or just sitting in a beach chair, half submerged in the frigid water, reading and telling anyone within sight not to go out too far! The Family would like to extend sincere thanks to the Staff of Oak Hill Manor, Ithaca, and Caregivers, Elmira for their committed and heartfelt care of Jean during her final years. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2013, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W Water St, Elmira. A June internment at Woodlawn Cemetery will be followed by a family memorial at Seneca Lake. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arnot Ogden Foundation, 600 Roe Ave., Elmira NY 14905, Meals on Wheels, 150 Fox St., Elmira NY 14901, Elmira YWCA, 211 Lake St., Elmira NY 14901, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 314 W Church St., Elmira NY 14901, or a charity of one's choice.