Dorothy “Dottie” Hoff, loving daughter of Edith and Elmer Hart, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2021, at 97 years young, of natural causes. She brought so much joy to this world and will be missed by so many.
Dorothy was born and grew up in Vancouver, Washington. She attended Linfield College, and graduated from UW, where she majored in music. She continued her music education at SPU and the Royal Conservatory of Music in The Hague. She married another Vancouverite, Ernie Hoff, and soon became a military spouse who handled twenty years of relocating every 2-4 years with grace. They raised three children while in the service living in Washington, Oklahoma, Okinawa, Virginia, Germany, Holland, and Arizona.
Dorothy loved life. She was a little dynamo whose positivity, kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity showed in everything she did. She never wanted anyone to make a fuss or go out of their way for her; but on the other hand, was quick to offer a helping hand to anyone. Being gracious, humble, unassuming, and forgiving were all part of Dorothy. She only saw the good in people and life, with her sweet disposition.
Being an accomplished pianist and trained vocalist led the way to many opportunities. Dorothy’s musical passion touched many lives as a piano teacher, a music teacher at Olympic View and View Ridge Elementaries, and as a vocalist. She sang soprano with Seattle Opera, NW Chamber Chorus, the ensemble "I Virtuoso Del Canto," Seattle Chorale, and had been both soloist and Director in many church choirs in both America and Europe. Her list of accomplishments is long, but you would never know it because of her soft-spoken, unassuming, humble nature.
Dorothy left her mark as an amazing gardener with incredible vision. She had a knack. When moving to the second family house in Edmonds, there had been horses boarded in the backyard by the previous owner. She didn’t flinch. She turned the pasture into a beautiful park in the blink of an eye with her never-ending energy. Her can-do attitude transformed and beautified many gardens in the area.
At Dorothy's wish, there was no memorial service. Instead, an interment was attended by family members at Tahoma National Cemetery, where she was reunited with her husband of 56 years, Ernie.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband, Ernest, parents, Edith and Elmer Hart, and brother, Lowell Hart. She is survived by her sons and daughter - Russell Hoff (Kathy), Janine Hoff Nicol (Bob), Howard Hoff (Rosa); nine grandchildren - David Hoff (Erin), Angela Hoff Stark (Aaron), Tyler Nicol (Shellena), Cory Nicol (Natalie), Tanner Nicol (Lindsey), Maria Hoff, Andrew Hoff, Sarah Hoff, Bethany Hoff; and six great-grandchildren - Alexander Stark, Aiden Stark, Austin Stark, Callie Hoff, Avery Nicol, and Rue Nicol.
For those fortunate to have been graced by Dorothy’s life, please consider a donation to music education in her name or plant a shrub or tree. Her beautiful soul has left a trail of wonderful memories and she would be honored.
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