Dr. Jamila “Hana” Hofmann was born July 30, 1941, in Zlin, Czechoslovakia. She obtained her PhD in Physical Education and Sports from Charles University in Prague, Czechoslovakia. She received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Newcastle University in England. She was also a “Yoga Guru” with the Yoga Alliance.
As a young girl, she moved to Prague with her family, which consisted of two sisters, Iva and Alena; Ana, her mother; and Jaroslav, her father. From an early age Hana excelled in sports, including Premier League Handball, becoming National Champion on numerous occasions. Her personal favorite sport was track & field, culminating in being chosen as part of the Czechoslovakian National Team headed for the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games. As a qualified ski instructor, she spent many happy times in the mountains with family and friends, yet another sport in which she was exceptional. During her years living in England, she became the number one in the county of Northumberland ladies squash team. And finally, we come to Yoga, a lifetime love of hers which was inspirational to her community and many people that her life touched.
She married Vernon Clifford Hofmann, M.D., while ski racing in the Slovakian mountains in December, 1963. Their first born was Vernon, Jr., born 23rd July 1966, followed 10 years later with the arrival of Carolyn on 6th June 1976.
Due to the political situation in Czechoslovakia in 1968, the three Hofmanns moved to Newcastle Upon Tyne in Northern England, where they spent 17 happy years. An opportunity then arose which gave way to the family relocating to the USA in 1984.
After gaining her PhD in Prague, her first job was teaching languages and physical education to exceptional children in a school of excellence. On arrival to England in 1968, Hana’s first job was as a cleaning lady in a nursing home while learning to speak English, new cultures, and traditions. 1970 marked the year she began her dental studies, passing her finals with honors in dentistry making her the oldest woman to qualify at that time. She opened a private dental practice while raising her family. Oklahoma took her back to the field of education as an adjunct professor of Physical Education & Wellness at the University of Central Oklahoma
During her time in Oklahoma, Hana spent many content hours cultivating a beautiful garden and lifelong friendships.
She leaves behind a loving family, which now consists of her husband of 50 years; son Vernon & his wife Megan, expecting Hana’s third grandchild in November; daughter Carolyn & husband, Jason and their two children, Caspian and Viola. We love you always and will miss you eternally.
A memorial service will be 11am, Wednesday, May 7, 2014, at Memorial Park Historic Cemetery Chapel.
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