Frances Hoffmann of Goshen passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 10, 2015. She was 93 years old.
Frances (Fran) was born Sept. 15, 1927, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, the daughter of John and Frances Wright, where she lived her youth.
She completed her BA at Ohio Wesleyan University in 1949 and received her Master’s Degree in 1968 at SUNY New Paltz.
Fran met her husband of 67 years, Don, while at Ohio Wesleyan University, and they married in June 1948. She accompanied Don to Illinois while he completed his academic work to receive his BS and OD degrees graduating in September 1949, and moved to Goshen in 1951 when Don opened his first optometric practice in Goshen.
Most often seen hand-in-hand or arm-in-arm, Fran and Don lived their lives in loving support of each other, their children, family and friends.
A model person of faith, Fran made a difference in people’s lives. She was a wonderful mother, a secondary school teacher, a classical pianist, a seamstress, homemaker and assistant in her husband’s optometric practice for 25 years.
She enjoyed life in the community and as a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Goshen where she led the annual blanket drive, Bible studies, prayer circles and served with the Presbyterian Women’s Association.
She was a woman who became a friend and mom for neighbors and children of neighbors who longed to share memories of their parents and growing up in Goshen.
Fran’s graciousness, kindness, generosity and good spirit will be missed. As said by a loving friend: “How does one respond when someone like Fran Hoffmann passes on? Still sorting that out but I think it means holding those good memories and getting joy from them — and using them to help get through challenges. And pass her example on to others.”
Fran is survived by her son Howard Hoffmann of Vienna, Va., and granddaughter Jessica; daughter Heather Nielsen and husband Paul of Fillmore, Califorrnia; sister Anne Renninger of Springfield, Va.; nephew Dan Renninger of Chesterfield, Va.; niece Helen Hughes and husband Bill of Midlothian, Va.; cousin, Kurt Hoffmann and wife Cathy of Kingston; and cousin Pauline Geyer of Ft. Wayne, Indiana.
She will be greatly missed.
A memorial service in Fran’s honor will be held at a yet determined date at the First Presbyterian Church, 33 Park Place, Goshen.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the care of the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc., Goshen. To leave the family a personal condolence, please visit www.donovanfunerals.com.