Nellie Doris Hoffman

Born in February,1927 in Baltimore, Maryland, Nellie was the daughter of Raymond and Nellie Sproul. Her life began against the odds, as doctors did not expect her to survive infancy. Yet she spent the next ninety-eight years proving them wrong with quiet strength, resilience, and determination.

Nellie was a woman of deep caring and steady presence. She was a devoted mother whose love was expressed through gentleness, constancy, and simply being there. Her faith anchored her life, especially in later years, and sustained her with calm assurance.

She was also deeply loved within her neighborhood. Nellie was known as someone to whom people turned in moments of need, called upon during medical emergencies, present for the births of children, and served as a welcoming presence whose home was always open to the neighborhood’s children. To many, she was a source of comfort, calm, and quiet competence.

In her final moments, Nellie passed peacefully, held and comforted, a reflection of the love she had given so freely throughout her life.

Nellie was the beloved wife of Gilman E. Hoffman Jr., who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her son, Harold J. Hoffman.

She is survived by her children: Gilman R. Hoffman (wife Kathleen Hoffman), Thomas R. Hoffman (wife Joan Hoffman), Jeffery A. Hoffman (wife Pamela Hoffman), Richard E. Hoffman (wife Connie Hoffman), and daughter-in-law, Gayle Hoffman. As well, her grandchildren (Deborah Murphy, Jennifer LeBrun, Angela Gallagher, Stephanie Ranshaw, Daniel Gilroy, Timothy Gilroy, Richard McLain, Tommy McLain, James Hoffman, Heather Hoffman-Tallman) and many extended family members will continue to honor her memory with gratitude and love.

A memorial service celebrating Nellie’s life will be held in early spring. Details will be shared at a later date.

Those who knew Nellie will remember her for her steady love, sense of humor and giant bowl of spaghetti always available to those seated at her dinner table.