Dr. Mary Anne Hoffman

Mary was born in Tacoma, WA and grew up on Lake Steilacoom, the daughter of Mary J. and Edward P. Leonard.

She is survived by daughter Anne Proffitt and son-in-law David of Whidbey Island, WA; son Paul Hoffman, daughter-in-law Erin and grandson Ryan of Edmonds, WA; son Don Hoffman, daughter-in-law Maureen, grandson Dylan and granddaughter Riley of Redondo Beach, CA as well as nieces and nephews across the country.

Mary led a fascinating life distinguished by a pioneering career in veterinary medicine long before it was common for women to hold a degree in this field. She graduated from Washington State College (now WSU) in 1942 with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Foreign Language and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Veterinary Medicine. She was one of two women who were the first to earn a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at WSU in 1945. Upon graduation, she held veterinary positions in both Boston and Los Angeles. She always told interesting stories about caring for celebrity pets such as Jean Arthur's lion. Returning to the Northwest, she met and married Frank Hoffman in 1949.

She will be remembered for her love of 'the blues', ballroom dancing and colorful sense of humor.

Please visit Mary's online guestbook at www.washelli.com.