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Ambrose Dombroski-LeDonne
January 9, 2022
Just had a vibe to look her up, only find that she had died. Many fond memories, many fond hangovers
Sandra Ketkar
January 14, 2021
Best Professor in English I ever had...lovely person...close to her in so many ways!
Fun!
She sent me a card with a WINTER MELON CUT IN 1/2.
"YOU LOOK JUST LIKE ME SAID ONE WINTER MELON TO ANOTHER".
I WAS HAPPY!
GOD BLESS
Teresa Preziosi
January 30, 2018
Shame on me for finding out so late that Barbara is gone. As I am preparing a new phase of my life I was sorting through old letters and found several from her. Seeking to connect I now find the connection irrevocably severed. The memories I shall treasure always.
Trudy Berger
January 17, 2008
Many memories of Barbara and sorrow at the loss of such a wonderful woman.
Ann Mullen-Zalkind
May 23, 2007
We will all miss you, we will miss how you provided us the opportunity to look at everything just a little differently. I recall the many wonderful times we shared in your special classroom. I pray I pass on your wonderful way of looking at life and the world to my children; as they grow, question and wonder about what else there could be.
Thank you for being a wonderful friend, mentor, and teacher for so many years.
Patty Loftus
May 16, 2007
Just today I found out that the universe had lost its brightest light.
It has been my honour to be in that circle of light for a few precious years. And 30 years later, you are still as alive in me as that first day at Maria Hall, when you changed me forever. Don't we all, her generations of students, feel that way... Somehow I can't think of you with sadness. There was just too much brilliance in your smile, too much generosity in your heart, too much panache for that.
Roberta Swartz-Edwards '91
May 10, 2007
What other class would EVER allow me to tout the virtues of Kermit the Frog? I had never had a teacher like Barbara, and doubt I ever will, again. My first vision of her was a petite woman, hair in pigtails, wearing denim overalls several sizes too big, and something akin to "war paint" on her face...lol. She made me want to read, and think, and consider, to come to class, and to discuss literature. To me it was the best possible book club! The House of Bernarda Alba, and Hedda Gabler opened my eyes to the world of strong women in literature. One of the most memorable moments was when she decided we needed to mourn the loss of the hard copy card catalog in the library as it was being transitioned over to computer only. The entire class marched into the library, encircled the card catalog and held a moment of silence, who in Barbara's words was being treated like the "old grey mare". She paired us off, and asked us to write a eulogy for our partners, and we had a wake! My favorite part of this class was meeting with her one on one for our midterms and finals. I felt honored to have her undivided attention and reveled in what I felt was undo praise for my writing and projects. Coincidentally, prior to her passing, I was telling a friend, also a teacher, about Barbara and her impact on me, and how out of all my liberal arts classes at Marywood, Women In Literature with Barbara was my favorite. I only wish I had been able to learn more from her.
"...but we waste away for fear of what people might say.." -Magadalena, The House of Bernarda Alba
Barbara never let what someone thought or said, stop her from living and celebrating...everything!
You'll be sadly missed, Barbara.
Jennifer Diskin
May 8, 2007
Barbara,
Who hears me in the hierarchy of angels? Okay, so I paraphrased Rilke, but I know you do.
Thinking about your clown costume, I reminded of Picasso's harlequin. The mixture of happiness and sorrow; the bright of the whiteface and red mouth, the autumn hues of your clown costume.
This was you. While contemplating winter, you reveled in spring. You could do both.
I still have the syllabus. You even made syllabus a work of art, whether it had a piece of candy or a bag of tea.
Like Emily Dickinson letter to the world, this is my letter to you.
You loved writing letters and cards. I had thank you upon thank you card. You shared the alphabet of all your thoughts in those cards. A Barbara Hoffman letter was filled with the next adventure. You were never limited by the fact there was only A-Z.
Last week, I lost you. From the time I was a freshman, you made me want to make my life breathe in the sweet language of this earth---this gift.
You watched me stumble through writing and through my days at school with lots of uncertainty. You let me share your Creative Writing class, even after I graduated. When I didn't have faith in myself, you brought me to the holy church of language. I haven't stopped worshipping words.
You read my work, gave me comment, praised and helped me make my poetry better. Even though I probably didn't deserve the praise, you bragged about my work. You praised and critiqued with honesty.
You were the Rilke to this young poet who certainly needed your advice and your constant friendship.
I hesitated to write anything here. You moved through and above the poem.
As I've been going through your cards and letters, I can't help but to be struck by how many times you used the word "celebrate." That indeed was the main word in your vocabulary.
Last Monday, I know you were in the Hollow when we lit the purple candle by your moment. That stone says "We will not know her like again." Tis so right.
How could not be? That night was the gloaming--the coming of night by the Irish sea. The sky was a unspeakable red, going orange, moving toward night. The moon was full and lovely. I read "Red Winged Blackbird" and we had a glass of wine.
How could your life not be a celebration? Who else will I climb mountains with, hike through the woods, believe in this May world so full of circus color. So beating with a heart of green.
I am so sad you are gone. I wish I believed in heaven more---you certainly delivered paradise on earth.
I don't want to sound cheesy or overblown. I don't want to dishonor you with words that stumble along on this page.
At Planet's Day, you used a quote from Edna St. Vincent Millay about your candle giving a "lovely light."
I want to be as genuine and true as
your poetry. Your life.
Your light is the joy of pigtails, clowns, fall leaves, sunflowers, seventeen years of friendship, writing, reading, poems, spring days, and the list of students who won't let let all your purple jubliation burn out.
I'll strew some wildflowers in the Hollow and keep the candle lit.
I pray I bring you half the honor you bestowed on my days. I miss you more than any language can ever articulate.
You never let me get too sentimental. On the day before surgery, you said to me, don't cry,
or I'll cry too.
Write with the stars. You wouldn't want all my sorrow to keep revolving through this world. So, I'll make sure I write in technocolor.
All 64 Crayons included.
Always in Allways
Your forever friend
Jennifer (Class of 94)
Anne Healey (1972)
May 4, 2007
Barbara was an inspiration to many of us. I was one of her first students, back in the days of Writers' Forum. She was creativity itself, full of energy and enthusiasm that was infectious. I will miss her and remember her always.
Lorraine Mensky
May 3, 2007
To Barbara's family and friends,
She was the BEST. Barbara was the most creative educator at Marywood. We all loved her.
Jerry Washko
May 3, 2007
In his book, Jacob’s Hip, Kerry Walters speaks about provisionality, particularity and precarity. These terms all speak of the insecurity of the passing moment, the insecurity in which we all live. When we can grasp and own the “particularity” or “precarity” of life, he writes, we are able to experience the “poverty of spirit” that Jesus spoke of in the first Beatitude.
Kerry writes: “The present moment is sacramental. It is the conduit through which the eternal breaks into our lives, and its presence transfigures all of creation into something sacred.”p.53
To be able to see this reality, one needs, Kerry says, a “transparent eyeball”. Because in that fleeting moment of precarity, a person with a transparent eyeball can see, for a moment, the flash of the eternal, the breathlessness of divinity. Such moments can be a sunset, the birth of a child, the close embrace of a family member or a friend.
When I remember Barbara, when I remember our frequent talks about God and Church in her picture window apartment on Electric Street, when I remember the reams of paper shared in letters across the Atlantic, what I remember is her transparent eyeball that was always quick to grasp the eternity in the moment, the divinity in the particularity of life. To me this was her constant philosophy that made her able to play, to pray, to dance, to dream new insights for her students, to take a tea ceremony to a new plain, to wander through a cemetery on All Hallow’s Eve, to muse at the graveside of Teilhard De Chardin. This ability sometimes made her appear different to others and thank God she was. This ability sometimes made her impatient with life at it is, but it was this ability that set her apart and it was this ability in her that I felt closest too.
I am deeply saddened that she had no retirement; that her plans were washed away like footprints on a beach. Yet the particularity of death would tell us, and I believe she would tell us, if she were with us now as she used to be, God is in the living, God is in the dying – something that St. Paul wrote about to the Romans 14: 7-9.
What I grieve is my loss, not her gain. What Barbara has now is the dawn of that moment of eternity, that spark of divinity, blossoming for her into a totally new way of being. As a poet, she especially would appreciate this. Go in peace, dear friend.
Judy Blachek '80
May 2, 2007
As an English major, I had the fortune of taking every class that Barbara offered. She was a wonderful teacher who made you think out of the box, before that was even a trite saying. She applauded your creativity, demanded your attention, and valued your viewpoint. She introduced me to so many great women writers and helped shape me into the feminist that I am today. We still corresponded and discussed what we were reading. I always wanted to measure up to her standards. My deepest condolences go out to the entire Marywood community, and to her sister.
Marianne Gerwin Reichelt '72
May 2, 2007
I am incredibly sad to hear about Barbara's death. She taught me my second semester senior world lit class (emphasis on women) when both world and women's studies were still considered "radical." She kept up a running chat in the margins of my writing -- it was conversation and not merely grading. She was so enthusiastic about her literature that we, too, were transformed. She has been a model for my teaching these 35 years.
I just wish I had thought to tell her that before now.
Godspeed, Barbara Hoffman: poet, teacher, embracer of life.
Nicole (Szeman) Walls '95
May 2, 2007
What a loss the world has seen! Professor Hoffman inspired me to become an English Major and an avid reader. She had us all embrace women writers, poets, and the far east writers with such a vigor. I will never forget the tea ceremonies, the kite flying, and her many other lessons! God bless her & her family!
Shannah
May 2, 2007
I am very sad to hear about the passing of Barbara. She was a creative and amazing teacher! There will never be another like her!
Renee Garvey
May 2, 2007
Barbara Hoffman graduated to heaven on Sunday with the highest honors. She approached life as a classroom and was open to being taught by everyone she encountered. As a result, she was one of the wisest people I ever met. Fortunately, she had a passion for sharing her experiences as a teacher.
In her classroom, she gave new meaning to "class clown." I learned to never look at a Hershey Kiss, Winnie the Pooh, a Cup of Tea, or most importantly---life itself---the same way!!!
After leaving the conformity of adolescence, Barbara reintroduced me to my inner child. This priceless gift has allowed me to have the courage to be true to myself and my own students.
Barbara never said a commonplace thing. Boring was not in her vocabulary. She taught me how to write, yet I am at a loss for words to pay this amazing woman the tribute she truly deserves.
Her high energy/creative approach to life was coupled with a deep desire for peace and tranquility. She loved to discuss eastern and western philosophy. I believe heaven will give her the perfect balance of the two. So enjoy your bright future in heaven Barbara and rest in peace.
Deborah Fitch Snyder
May 2, 2007
Barbara was not only a wonderful teacher that I had for several of my English classes, she also was my thesis professor. We have exchanged Christmas cards every year since I graduated. I wish now I had been able to go to her special 50th birthday party. Her love of books and her passion for literature and learning I am sure inspired all who were lucky enough to have her at the head of their class...I will miss addressing a card to her this year...she was a very special person...
Class of '71
Lisa Feddock '85
May 2, 2007
Although I only had the pleasure of having you as my teacher for one class, I will never forget you. Thank you, teacher.
Amy
May 1, 2007
While I never had the honor of having Barbara as a teacher, I'll never forget her parading up and down the hallway with her students and wearing different outfits. She was definately a unique teacher, but I'm sure her students learned more from her than most of their other teachers. If only every teacher had her passion, college would have been more tolerable.
God Bless you, Barbara, and your family.
Barbara Mazurik
May 1, 2007
My first vision of Barbara took place while climbing a flight of stairs on my way to her classroom. At the top of the landing stood a petite sprite of a woman/girl dressed in a ballet costume completed by the requisite white tights and pink ballet slippers. She greeted me with a warm smile and lilting hello. This image is burned inside my brain along with her selections of some of our most famous women writers ever to put pen to paper. At that tender age, I was too ignorant to fully appreciate her insight, individuality and unique teaching methods that broke through my multiple barriers of insecurity. It was a privilege to meet her and experience her world of literature. Thank you Barbara, you will be greatly missed.
Kelly
May 1, 2007
You meet few people who could change your life by showing you how to look at the world through different eyes...maybe not someone else's, but your own after enlightenment. If there was one person who truly impacted my time at Marywood, it was her. I have never learned so much about the wonder that exists in every second of every day. I owe her more than just gratitude.
Laura Flanagan Santoski
May 1, 2007
Barbara was a unique teacher who wasn't afraid to step outside the boundaries of the traditional classroom "box." Her teaching style forced me to confront and expand my comfort zone in literature and in life. If not for Barbara, I would not have discovered the writing skills on which I have built a career. She believed in me when I was afraid to believe in myself, and that's a gift I will treasure for life. I am certain that God placed Barbara in my life for a reason, and I pray that her loved ones will take comfort in knowing that she had a profound effect on the lives of countless students.
Susan Haas Conrad '80
May 1, 2007
Barbara gave me the courage and ability to be myself. She taught me to write from my heart and her clown class is still an impact on me 25+ years later. She was and always will be an inspiration to all of us that she taught.
Larissa Mrykalo
May 1, 2007
Barbara was an amazing woman who inspired me and helped me to find wonder in everyday things! She was my teacher almost 20 years ago and I still remember lessons that she taught. She will be greatly missed by everyone who was lucky enough to have crossed her path.
Eileen Wilson
May 1, 2007
Thank you, Barbara, for sharing your spirit and wisdom with so many. God Bless.
Deborah Geary-Aks
May 1, 2007
Barbara Hoffman was one of those rare teachers whom you remember for the rest of your life! She was an amazing teacher and I learned quite a lot from her.
Ginny Grove
May 1, 2007
Truly a beautiful woman- she was one of the very first to believe in my talents as a writer- A true mentor with such a passion for life! She will be missed...
Sheryl Lynn Sochoka
May 1, 2007
Barbara was one of the best people I have ever known. She inspired me, encouraged me, and taught me so much. I will carry her memory in my heart always.
Charlotte Courtright Franco
May 1, 2007
This clown now "plays April every night." Share your spirit with the heavens, Barb, so that all may taste the splendor of your passion and talents.
This clown is eternally grateful.
Charlotte
Cindy Weiss
May 1, 2007
It was indeed a rare privilege to have known Barbara, and I will always remember her with great fondness. Our prayers are with Sister Sue in this difficult time, and we know that God will sustain her.
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