Mary Ann Hoffer

Mary Ann Hoffer VIRGINIA BEACH - After a long battle with cancer, Mary Ann Hoffer peacefully went to be with our Lord on the afternoon of Oct. 5, 2010, in Columbia, S.C. She was preceded in death by her parents, George Joseph and Virginia Agnes Bennett of Zanesville, Ohio, her brother Paul Bennett of Columbus, Ohio, and her loving husband of 44 years, Charles Albert Hoffer of Virginia Beach. She is survived by her five children, Joseph Morris Hoffer and wife Danelle of Cabot, Ark., Cheryl Ann Fortuner and husband Joe of Virginia Beach, Deborah Buxton Ruff and husband Matt of Columbia, S.C., William John Hoffer and wife Katie of Red Oak, Va., and Christopher Alan Hoffer of Virginia Beach. Mary Ann is also survived by her grandchildren, Jessica Caldwell, Shelby Caldwell, Aaron Buxton, Kaylee Caldwell, Riley Hoffer, Madysen Buxton, Hannah Fortuner, Cody Hoffer, Evan Hoffer, and Charles Ruff. Also left to cherish her memory is her brother, John "Jack" Stanley Bennett of Columbus, Ohio. Born April 9, 1940, Mary Ann spent her early years being raised in the town of Zanesville, Ohio, where she attended Bishop Rosecrans High School. It was there she met her partner for life, Charles, and they were married on June 3, 1961. Soon after, she left Zanesville to be by her husband's side as he joined the United States Navy and was the proud wife of a naval officer for 32 years. Mary Ann gave herself unselfishly to her family, always putting them first and never asking for anything in return. There was rarely a want or wish that didn't come to be for any one of her children through the course of their lives. Mary Ann was an active member of the Church of the Ascension, Catholic Church. She ensured that her children were taught the values of faith and family and let it be known how important they both were to her. During their time together, Mary Ann and Charles loved to travel the world. From the frozen waters off the coast of Alaska, to the crisp green meadows of Ireland, they were hardly separable. Their list of earthly destinations was long, with many places unreached, but now, together for eternity, they are guaranteed a heavenly view of those places. While they cherished their time together as husband and wife, they were also sure to include their children in whatever they did. From family outings to the Tidewater Fish House, or making sure everyone was ready and present for the 10:15 a.m. Mass, Mary Ann and Charles were the epitome of the word "family." Mary Ann was a dedicated worker and caregiver throughout her life. From her early years working on the family farm in Ohio through the countless hours spent playing with her "grand-babies," Mary Ann was always one to see a task out to its completion. Her children will best remember her for always being there, no matter the situation. If she wasn't able to be physically present, help was always just a phone call away. She had the innate ability to make everything seem better with just a hug, or a simple "It's gonna be okay." She will be terribly missed by everyone for generations to come. Mary Ann was also a most wonderful friend to those who had the extreme pleasure of being able to call her one. Just as it was with her family, there was nothing she wouldn't do for a friend in need. If you would ask, she would be sure your request was granted, even when it meant giving of herself or something she didn't have available to give. That's just the kind of person she was. In life and now in death, she will continue watching over everyone whose life she has touched. Whether you called her wife, mom, sister, grandma, friend, neighbor, or co-worker, we are all better people to have had her in our lives. Rest in peace, Mary Ann, and may you be lifted up on eagle's wings to the highest of heavens where you belong for all time. You will be loved and greatly missed, always. A visitation for family and friends will be held at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5792 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach, on Monday, Oct. 11 from 7 until 8:30 p.m. The Liturgy of the Resurrection will be officiated by Father James E. Parke at Church of the Ascension, 4853 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, on Tuesday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in her name to Church of the Ascension, 4853 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.altmeyer.com.