Nancy passed away on Sunday, March 4, at her home in Inverness, after a brief battle with cancer.

A fourth generation Californian, Nancy was born on April 13, 1958 in Coronado, CA to Marilyn Rhoades Hoffman and Ralph Hoffman, Jr. The eldest of three daughters , she grew up in Menlo Park, attending Hillview Elementary and Castilleja School. She headed to Stanford University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 1980 and a Masters of Arts in Education in 1984.

Nancy discovered her gift for working with young people through her summers spent as a camp counselor at Four Winds * Westward Ho on Orcas Island,WA . She began her career in education at Crystal Springs School in Hillsborough. Over the next 30 years, she served as a history teacher, coach, Academic Dean, Assistant Head of School, Department Chair, Dean of Students and in various other roles at Castilleja, Marin Academy and Sonoma Academy. She was a gifted educator, bringing an innate understanding of young people to her work. She treasured her students and was beloved by many in return.

Nancy was an avid reader and a deep thinker with interests in Native American culture, children's literature and Russian history. She loved horseback riding, hiking in the hills of Marin, nordic skiing in Truckee, Tolstoy, Mary Oliver's poems, her many canine companions, Brahms' Symphony, No. 4, and the red tailed hawks who regularly circled her Inverness home.

Nancy is survived by her sisters, Karen Gilhuly (husband, Ned) of Woodside and Sheila Lee (husband,Mark) of Cary, NC; Elizabeth Leahy of San Rafael; her uncle Donald (Dusty) Rhoades of Placerville, her two nephews and five nieces. Nancy had a cherished community of neighbors, colleagues and friends throughout the Bay Area.

A memorial service will be held later this spring. Details will be shared.

Tribute gifts in Nancy's memory can be made to Four Winds * Westward Ho on Orcas Island, WA or to the National Audubon Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Mar. 14 to Mar. 16, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Hoffman

14 Entries

Janet Ditz Tarr

April 12, 2018

Nancy was my classmate at Castilleja. She inspired me to be a little kinder,try a little harder and laugh a little louder. She was a shining star and those of us from the class of 76 missed seeing her at our reunions because she was just so special . Rest In Peace Nancy
Janet Ditz Tarr
Castilleja '76

Kristie Orup Driscoll 1977

March 27, 2018

I had the privilege of attending Castilleja with Nancy. She was a senior, I was a junior. She was an inspiration to all! She was a true leader, serving as student body President and a fabulous athlete. It was a given that she would attend Stanford and eventually be so involved with Castilleja and a mentor to all the young girls she inspired! I am so sorry for her family and for her suffering! She will be remembered as a true role model and mentor and having endless energy and a passion for helping others to succeed.

Janice Maloney

March 24, 2018

I had the privilege of meeting Nancy many years ago and was captured by her keen mind, wit and compassion. She had a beauty within her that Im grateful to have experienced.

Diana Gregory Horner

March 20, 2018

"Dean" Hoffman was a wonderful teacher. As Dean of Students at Castilleja her light filled office was a home away from home for many girls. She was an enthusiastic historian and advisor and will be sorely missed.

Judy Johnson

March 18, 2018

Nancy Hoffman, a consummate professional with an extraordinary mind and wonderful heart, I was blessed and truly privileged to have known you as colleague and friend, 1984-1992. Castilleja was an amazing school for us as teachers, students, and scholars. A truly special community was strengthened beyond measure by your presence. Godspeed, dear Nancy, and may you rest in eternal peace.

Tony Krackeler

March 17, 2018

So saddened to hear of Nancy's passing. She was a patient mentor to me at both Castilleja and Marin Academy. I learned a great deal from Nancy, mostly from observing her quiet, firm, caring ways. So bright and insightful.

Katharine Boyd

March 16, 2018

Condolences.

Katharine Boyd

March 16, 2018

I have fond memories of Nancy when she worked at Marin Academy. What a beautiful soul and mentor to all. She is missed.

Janet Tennyson

March 16, 2018

Ms. Hoffman a big influence in my life, and know doubt one of the reasons why I eventually became a teacher. I am so very sorry to hear this news.

March 16, 2018

Words can not express how saddened I am to hear of the passing of my dear friend from Casti. We may have lost touch over the years however she was always in my thoughts. My prayers go out to Karen and Sheila and their families. Rest In Peace. Love, Casey Lewis Keeshan 75

Sara (Beckett) Ivy, Castilleja Class of '89

March 16, 2018

Ms. Hoffman was one of my touchstones at Castilleja. Although I was nervous about fitting in as a new student my sophomore year (and as a new border to boot), she was able to assure me that I would do just fine both away from home and in my new West Coast classrooms. I was equally lucky to have her as one of my first teachers (U.S. Government); her praise of my academic abilities instilled in me a confidence that remained throughout my academic years. She was the one person I felt comfortable confiding in until the day I graduated -- a priceless gift for a young girl struggling to find her place in the world away from her own family. I will never forget her smile, her laugh, and her super-strong hugs. My sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all my fellow Castilleja alumnae whose lives were touched by her amazing spirit.

Elizabeth Guice

March 16, 2018

Ms. Hoffman is one of the main reasons I wanted to attend Castilleja. I think of her regularly in my work at a school and hope that I am having even a small percent of the sort of impact on my students that she had on me. What a loss for all who knew and loved her.

Susan Ryan Tighe

March 16, 2018

Ms. Hoffman was a treasure, and I remember her fondly from Castilleja. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing.

March 16, 2018

Oh, Nancy. Thank you for always being so kind to me. You were fair. You were patient. May you rest in peace. Love, Reena Patton, Castilleja Alumna

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