Susan Gray Hoefer

Susan Gray Neale Hoefer, aged 72, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2017, surrounded by her family. Susan was born on February 6, 1945, in Birmingham, Alabama, the daughter of Carolyn Neale Hambrick and Malcolm Gray Neale.

Living in Houston her entire life, Susan graduated from St. Pius High School and received her Bachelor’s of Arts with a major in English and a minor in History from Lamar University. Her love of reading and the written language prompted her to share her passions as a public school educator in Houston Independent School District for 38 years. An admired teacher and colleague, Susan won many accolades, but her most treasured award was when numerous students, including her oldest daughter, decided to enter the teaching profession because of Susan’s inspiring instruction. Later In life, Susan furthered her expertise by earning a Master’s of Education from St. Thomas University.

In 1966, Susan married Mr. Joseph Lawrence Hoefer after meeting and falling in love at Weingarten’s Grocery Market during her junior year in high school. A true fairy tale romance, Susan a checker and Joseph a stocker, the two would have celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary this April. Besides spending time with their beloved family, Susan and Joe’s favorite pastimes included pampering their pooches, Max, Louie, Riley and Lili and travelling to beautiful locales, some favorites being Scotland, Napa Valley, Yellowstone, and the Panama Canal. Susan and Joseph raised two beautiful and smart daughters (Susan would have insisted upon the smart), Jennifer and Sara.

An avid reader, Susan was rarely seen without her Kindle or a book in her hand. Susan’s favorite pastime was reading to her grandchildren Sophia, aged 6, Charlie, aged 5, and Hadley, aged 2. Joe, her daughters, son-in-laws, grandkids, and dogs were the joy of Susan’s life. Her favorite times of the year were Christmas, when all of her family was together, laughing, eating and opening the presents she elaborately wrapped; and summers around their backyard pool.

Susan is survived by her husband Joseph; daughters Jennifer and Sara, and their husbands Bill and Dwayne; grandchildren Sophia, Charlie, and Hadley; her sister Terri; her brother Peter and his wife Becky; and many other relatives and close friends, including her best friend of more than 50 years, Margaret.

There will be a memorial service for friends and family members Friday, March 17, 2017, at 2 PM at Pat H. Foley Funeral Home, 1200 W 34th St, Houston. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent in her name to M. D. Anderson Cancer Center or the Houston Humane Society.