Joan Bentley Hoffman

Born on December 7, 1946, in Trenton, New Jersey, Joan grew up in Lawrenceville surrounded by music, books, and the encouragement of her family. Inspired by her older sister’s piano lessons, she began playing at a young age and developed a lifelong passion for music. That love shaped so much of her life as a teacher, performer, and scholar.

Joan earned her B.A. in Music and History from Goucher College, her M.A.T. in Music from Yale University, and her A.M. in Musicology from the University of Chicago, where she pursued doctoral studies in ethnomusicology. Joan’s work life reflected her many talents and passions. She began by selling advertising at WBAL in Baltimore, then shared her love of music by teaching elementary music with Baltimore County Public Schools and serving as organist at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. Later, she brought her dedication and care to Alumni Relations and Development at the University of Chicago, where she was especially proud of her work supporting the creation of the Joe and Rika Mansueto Library.

Joan’s love of the arts, nature, and culture filled her life and enriched the lives of those around her. She found joy in attending concerts and theatre performances, nurturing her plants, and was a devoted member of the Morton Arboretum. Always eager to embrace new experiences, she participated in local community theater, supported Democratic causes close to her heart, and relished traveling and exploring new ideas. Above all, Joan had a rare gift for seeing beauty in the world, in nature, in music and art, in new adventures, and most of all in the people whose lives she touched.

Joan is lovingly remembered by her daughters Amy (Steve) Dator, Cara (Bill) Runowski, and Jen Hoffman. She was a proud grandmother to Grant, Kelsa, and Jane Dator, and Kaia and Evelyn Runowski. She is also survived by her sister, Carolyn Beach, and her nieces, Nancy Boos and Kathy Fritzinger. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Maude Bentley.

A Memorial Service will be held at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home at 4727 W 103rd St. in Oak Lawn, IL on Saturday, August 16th, 2025 with visitation from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm followed immediately by a service. In honor of Joan’s lifelong commitment to the arts, culture, and education, donations may be made in her name to WBEZ/Chicago Public Media, Attn: Development, P.O. Box 95090, Chicago, IL 60694-5090.