Louise Hoffman
November 23, 1927 — November 9, 2024
MARGARET LOUISE SMITH HOFFMAN (LOUISE)
November 23, 1927 – November 9, 2024
Cherished daughter of the late Charles and Margaret Smith, devoted wife of the late George Martin Hoffman Jr. (Marty), faithful sister to (deceased) Charles Smith Jr., and beloved niece of (deceased) E. Louise Klingel Ely, a second mother to her.
Survived by her beloved daughter, Susan Lynn Hoffman Happel, (Sue) and beloved son, George Martin Hoffman III, (G.M.) her 12 prized grandchildren, and the light of her eyes, 20 great grandchildren!
Louise lived her life in the Baltimore/Randallstown area, enjoying 60 years in the beloved home where she and Marty raised their children. She was known for her energetic, witty, love-to-laugh personality, and her generous and caring nature. She made sure her elderly aunts, or failing pastor, were remembered in their needs, and later in life, she cheerfully cared for her aged mother in a customized addition built onto Marty and Louise’s home.
Her faith was as integral as her breath, and she enjoyed a trusting walk with her Father and her Savior for her 96 years. “He leadeth me” was her story and her song, and she was strong and peaceful in that knowledge through many, many days on earth!
She gave her all to see her family succeed, as she resigned her favorite activity, high level secretarial service, to stay at home and raise her 2 children, and assist her husband with the family business. When Marty passed at the age of 62, she chose to live as a happy widow and to drive drive drive (second favorite activity) to share life with her growing family. Her participation in the lives of her grandchildren was formative in all 12 of them, and each of them had the opportunity to say goodbye to her, and share the depth of how her vibrant life had impacted them.
A closer look into Louise's career shows her beginning government work with the Department of the Army in 1948, at age 21. Noting her admirably accurate typing skills, she quickly advanced to being the requested typist for Army Major Hitchelberger.
Mom worked for the government in various capacities until 1959, because her daughter was now school aged. She creatively occupied her stay-at-home years with endeavors such as converting the family station wagon into a nursery school bus to take the neighborhood kids back and forth…but in 1975, when "G. M." graduated high school, Mom started a 2 year brush up to make her bid for reinstatement into government work, which was granted, and she worked for the Social Security Admin for the next 25 years.
She was a wonderful friend within many social groups - her high school friends, the “Western” girls, the Bachelorettes, the Baltimore Campers Association, as well as many square dance clubs. She was likewise a faithful member of the Lutheran church where she raised her children, St. Paul’s Lutheran in Rockdale (now known as Windsor Mill).
Private graveside service at Lorraine Park Cemetery
A Celebration of Life service is planned for Saturday, November 30th, 11am, at the First Baptist Church of Gettysburg,1015 Chambersburg Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325
November 23, 1927 – November 9, 2024
Cherished daughter of the late Charles and Margaret Smith, devoted wife of the late George Martin Hoffman Jr. (Marty), faithful sister to (deceased) Charles Smith Jr., and beloved niece of (deceased) E. Louise Klingel Ely, a second mother to her.
Survived by her beloved daughter, Susan Lynn Hoffman Happel, (Sue) and beloved son, George Martin Hoffman III, (G.M.) her 12 prized grandchildren, and the light of her eyes, 20 great grandchildren!
Louise lived her life in the Baltimore/Randallstown area, enjoying 60 years in the beloved home where she and Marty raised their children. She was known for her energetic, witty, love-to-laugh personality, and her generous and caring nature. She made sure her elderly aunts, or failing pastor, were remembered in their needs, and later in life, she cheerfully cared for her aged mother in a customized addition built onto Marty and Louise’s home.
Her faith was as integral as her breath, and she enjoyed a trusting walk with her Father and her Savior for her 96 years. “He leadeth me” was her story and her song, and she was strong and peaceful in that knowledge through many, many days on earth!
She gave her all to see her family succeed, as she resigned her favorite activity, high level secretarial service, to stay at home and raise her 2 children, and assist her husband with the family business. When Marty passed at the age of 62, she chose to live as a happy widow and to drive drive drive (second favorite activity) to share life with her growing family. Her participation in the lives of her grandchildren was formative in all 12 of them, and each of them had the opportunity to say goodbye to her, and share the depth of how her vibrant life had impacted them.
A closer look into Louise's career shows her beginning government work with the Department of the Army in 1948, at age 21. Noting her admirably accurate typing skills, she quickly advanced to being the requested typist for Army Major Hitchelberger.
Mom worked for the government in various capacities until 1959, because her daughter was now school aged. She creatively occupied her stay-at-home years with endeavors such as converting the family station wagon into a nursery school bus to take the neighborhood kids back and forth…but in 1975, when "G. M." graduated high school, Mom started a 2 year brush up to make her bid for reinstatement into government work, which was granted, and she worked for the Social Security Admin for the next 25 years.
She was a wonderful friend within many social groups - her high school friends, the “Western” girls, the Bachelorettes, the Baltimore Campers Association, as well as many square dance clubs. She was likewise a faithful member of the Lutheran church where she raised her children, St. Paul’s Lutheran in Rockdale (now known as Windsor Mill).
Private graveside service at Lorraine Park Cemetery
A Celebration of Life service is planned for Saturday, November 30th, 11am, at the First Baptist Church of Gettysburg,1015 Chambersburg Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325
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