Karen A. Hoffman

About

College of Saint Rose

Karen Hoffman Obituary

Hoffman, Karen A.
(Walsh)
Greece: Died peacefully at home on Saturday, September 20, 2008, after a courageous, odds-defying battle with cancer. She left this earth as she lived on it - with grace, dignity, class, and on her own terms. She is pre-deceased by mother, Helen (Fleming) Walsh; father, Vincent Walsh; stepfather, Robert Garrett and niece Rachel (Walsh) Mears. Survived by her loving family - husband, Kenneth Hoffman; son, Craig Hoffman and daughter-in-law, Susanne (Moutrie) Hoffman; son, Kirk Hoffman; brother, Martin V. Walsh; sister-in-law, Mary Walsh; grandchildren, Hallie and Benjamin Hoffman; nephews, Marty, Michael and Mark Walsh; and many dear, extended family members. Karen grew up in Troy, NY, was a 1965 graduate of the College of St. Rose in Albany, and held a masters degree in counseling from SUNY Brockport. She worked for many years as an adoption counselor with Family Services of Rochester, and as a counselor at various Greece public schools.
Karen was a fierce advocate of the best education for the children of Greece, being elected to the Greece Public School Board for 18 years from 1986 to 2004, and serving as its president from 1992-1994 & 1998-1999. She was also president of the Monroe County School Boards Association from 1998 to 1999. Karen served on numerous committees, always believing that it was possible for people to work together, and laboring tirelessly to build consensus and harmony.
Throughout Karen's life, from her growing up in Troy, to living in Rochester for 41 years, and summering on the Maine coast the last 10 years, she was a powerful social force. She was the first 2-year social chairperson in college, and this community building continued throughout her life. She was always planning parties, entertaining guests, and reaching out to make sure everyone was included.
Karen also richly enjoyed her family, reading, travel, and the beauty and summer sun of the Maine coast. Her sport of choice was shopping, and she treasured finding that special deal for her grandchildren. The fruits of her shopping labors resulted in the occasional reference as the best-dressed woman in Greece. For more information about Karen, visit www.aliferemembered.com
BARTOLOMEO & PEROTTO Funeral Home, Inc., 1411 Vintage Lane (between 390 & Long Pond Rd.), where the family will receive friends Monday, September 22, 2-4 & 6-8 pm for a celebration of Karen's life. The Funeral Mass will be offered Tuesday, 9:00 am, at Our Mother of Sorrows Church (5000 Mt. Read Blvd. in Greece), with burial following at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to assist the world's poor through Engineering Ministries International, 130 East Kiowa Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

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Published by Rochester Democrat And Chronicle from Sep. 21 to Sep. 22, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Karen Hoffman

11 Entries

Larry & Dotti Humm

October 18, 2008

How does one express the deep longing when a person like Karen dies? Even as she began to battle cancer, her inner joy and exuberance continued to bubble forth. The brilliant memories of times with Karen and Ken will always be with us and we hope that her family's memories will bring smiles thorough the tears of the pain of missing her physical presence.
Among the many memories we have, we especially will remember the Tremblant ski trip when we shared the condo with Karen and Ken.
Karen, say hi to my Mom, I'm sure she will be glad to be with you as she held you in a special part of her heart.
With much love and compassion,

Jim Ebmeyer

October 17, 2008

I remember talking with Karen at a Burby dinner a couple of years ago. That was when I learned that she was ill. But, she was a fighter and expressed determination to do what she could to beat it, and to enjoy every moment available. She will be remembered for her courage.

Patty Vartigian

October 14, 2008

Dear Ken & family,
Please accept my sympathy on the passing of Karen. I was a year ahead of her at Catholic High but did go on the trip to Bermuda with the "Rosebuds" in 1965 and was at the Neuman Club dance that you and Karen met at. She had a great personality and was a beautiful person

Nora Poland Winstead

September 29, 2008

Ken & Family,

I went through elementary and high school with Karen, though a year ahead of her. She was such a nice girl and you have my deepest sympathies.

I am a friend of her dearest friend Ann Nash, and have kept up with Karen's doings over the years through Ann.

So sorry for your loss.

Wayne Givens

September 25, 2008

Dear Ken:
We heard the sad news via Rich & Sue Portland about Karen passing away. Although we did not know her personally, I did follow her dedication with the Greece Public School Board for so many years. She fought a courageous battle with cancer which had to be so difficult for all of your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Sincerely,

Wayne & Betty Givens

Patsy Robertson

September 24, 2008

While I was aware of Karen's life outside Greece Schools, I only knew her through the School Board. As a teacher and union officer, I was able to witness her compassion and tenacity for the kids, the schools, and the community. Know that she made a difference and all the Greece employees recognized that. I know that you cherish wonderful memories. Know that others care.

Don Miller

September 23, 2008

Please accept my condolences for all of Karen's family. She was a great lady and made your family very special.
Remembering all of the good times with our families together is a special joy. And seeing the story of your lives together in photo albums as well as hearing the wonderful eulogies and sermon was heart-warming.
God be with you Ken, and with your children and grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of grief. May your memories of all the good times with Karen bring you comfort.

Keith Imon

September 22, 2008

Karen was a kind, warm, and wonderful person. She will truly be missed, but not forgotten. Her family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Evhen Tupis

September 21, 2008

Though I knew her only professionally, it was obvious that Karen was one of those genuine souls that both radiated personal warmth and engendered stability, pride and accomplishment in the organizations and community that she served so loyally. I was constantly in awe of her ability to rise above controversy and create positive outcomes. She was the epitome of "class act". My warmest wishes extend to her family in this very difficult time.

Reggie Horne

September 21, 2008

Starr and Reggie extend our condolences to the entire Hoffman family. Growing up as a family friend of Karen and her family was a blessed gift. Summer cook-outs and family gatherings were always fun. Her smile and kind words are unforgettable. I'm especially thankful for how supportive Karen was at the passing of my mom, Vernell. I can see them now shopping in heaven and getting great deals. We pray for comfort and joy of fond memories, as Karen returns home to our father's house in heaven.

Meg Keller-Cogan

September 21, 2008

It has been said that if one life has been made better because of a person's presence on earth, then that is to have lived. In Karen's case, the numbers are staggering. I shall miss her class, dignity, warmth, sincerity and concern for the human condition. And yes, the beauty she added by who she was and how well she shopped. My heart goes out to Ken and family.

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