Patricia Ann Hoffman, 93, of Holland, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025, in Holland, Michigan.
Pat was born in Jackson, Michigan to Leigh and Angela Brown in 1931; she was the middle child, growing up in Jackson, Michigan, with her older brother, Leigh, and younger brother, Tom. Pat began school at an early age, starting kindergarten at the age of 4. In second grade, she began attending Saint Mary’s and met her soulmate, Bob Hoffman. She continued her education there through her high school graduation. As a child she loved animals, school, hanging out with her best friend, Lois Duhan, ice skating, and she had a little-known talent: baton twirling. In high school, where she was known as Patsy, she studied Latin, worked on the school yearbook, and participated in the school theater program. Pat was known for a ready smile and love of fun with her high school yearbook remembering her “smiling face and twinkling eye; you simply cannot pass her by.”
After graduation, Pat worked first as a bank teller and then as an administrative assistant for Kaiser Frazer in Ypsilanti. When she and her husband, Bob, moved to Essexville, Michigan, she worked for Consumers Power Company. After raising her children, Pat went back to work at a job she thoroughly enjoyed as the librarian at Saint John’s School in the 5th grade – 8th grade building, helping students with their reading and finding books they would enjoy. Having not had the opportunity to attend college herself, Pat was determined her children would. Supporting her daughters and son in getting a four-year degree was what Pat considered one of her greatest achievements.
Pat married Bob Hoffman, the love of her life, in 1956. They have known each other 87 years and spent almost 70 years together. Pat and Bob enjoyed raising their three children, spending time at their “getaway” in East Tawas, socializing with their Scheurmann Street and Oakland Court neighbors and friends, being active at Saint John’s Church, and, after retirement, traveling all over the United States. Bob and Pat were a team and always looked out for each other, especially as they got older. Pat’s heart was full of love and gratitude for Bob’s dedication, unwavering support, and vigilance as age took its toll on her health and their life; she couldn’t have had a better guardian angel at her side. Pat was known for being a sweet, appreciative woman right up to the very end. And as Bob liked to say, “My Pat is a real lady.”
In her spare time, Pat enjoyed playing the piano, making sure each of her children had lessons as well. She looked forward to a mean game of bridge with her “bridge ladies” in Essexville, many of whom became lifelong friends. She also had a rose garden and loved taking leisurely walks to AuSable Point on Lake Huron in the summertime. Pat had a soft spot for people she encountered that were in need and extended her listening ear and support to many over the years. She held a special place in her heart for all animals, especially her black lab Sailor, as well as the many granddogs, grandbirds, and grandhorses her children shared with her.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Angela and Leigh Brown, and her brothers, Leigh and Tom Brown. She is survived by her husband, Robert Hoffman, Sr., her children, Julia Hoffman Tustin of Hudson, Ohio, Robert Hoffman, Jr. (Belinda) of Coloma, Michigan, Karen Hoffman (Tim Snook) of Wixom, Michigan, her grandson, Andrew Hoffman of Kalamazoo, Michigan, her granddaughter, Carolyn Tustin, of Colorado Springs, Colorado along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Deep gratitude goes out two of Pat’s guardian angels, Maya Rangel-Clawson, and Katie Towne who showered Pat with exceptional care, kindness, and comfort. Also, many thanks to the kind staff at The Farmstead and Hospice of Holland; you are so much appreciated.
A memorial mass will be held at 11 am Saturday (November 15) at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 480 152nd Avenue, with Fathers Michael Burt and Charles Hall officiating. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery in Jackson, MI. A memorial visitation will be 6-7:30 pm with wake prayers at 7:30 pm Friday (November 14) at the Dykstra Funeral Home-Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the following would be a wonderful way to honor Pat’s memory:
The Patricia Hoffman Book Fund for Emerson Middle School. https://www.schoolpay.com/pay/for/EMS-Patricia-Hoffman-Memorial-Book-Fund-/SeijGT2 This fund has been set up in honor of Pat’s love for reading. Donations will go towards books for classroom libraries as well as books for individual students. Checks can be made out to Emerson Middle School with a note for the book fund. Emerson Middle School, 29100 West Chicago Drive, Livonia, MI 48150.
BrightFocus Foundation- The foundation funds research on how to defeat Alzheimer’s disease and macular degeneration and provides vital information to individuals and caregivers. A donation can be made to the Tribute Fund in Pat’s memory. https://www.brightfocus.org or 22512 Gateway Center Dr., Clarksburg, MD 20871
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