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Joan Hoff Obituary
Joan Brower Hoff, wife of former Governor Philip Hoff, passed quietly away on Monday, June 29, 2020. She was ninety-five. Joan was a graduate of Teaneck High School and Connecticut College. She married Philip Hoff in 1948 and moved to Vermont in 1950.
Joan was a full partner in Phil Hoff's three successful campaigns for governor from 1962-1968 and his unsuccessful bid for US senator in 1970. She became a veteran campaigner and was known for her personal warmth, compassion, and keen intelligence. Many Vermonters regarded her to be Philip Hoff's best representative. She shared his passions for people, equality, education, and golf.
As highly compassionate person, she became a fierce advocate for families and children. Joan served on numerous boards and charities including her local PTO, DISMISS House, Prevent Child Abuse Vermont, and most notably she served as the chairperson of the State of Vermont Board of Education during the Salmon Administration in the mid 1970's. Her love for children and families remained a life long passion and she was an active supporter of many charities. She also served on the Board of the former Howard Bank during the 1980's.
The quintessential caregiver, Joan superintended Philip's care in his later years and devoted her life to helping him, traveling, and visiting children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who loved her warmth, sense of humor, and adventure.
Joan is succeeded by four daughters: Susan Haynes of Brunswick, NY; Dagny Hoff of Montpelier, Vermont; Andrea MacNaughton of Fredon, New Jersey ; and Gretchen Hoff of Mission, British Columbia, Canada, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Because of the COVID 19 pandemic, a memorial service will be planned for a time when family can travel. People who wish to honor Joan's memory can contribute to: Prevent Child Abuse, Vermont, PO Box 829, Montpelier, Vermont 05601.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joan Hoff
Ann Schmidt
June 25, 2025
Still think of her often...a gentle inspiring woman. Enjoyed our time on Prevent Child Abuse Board and continuing friendship.
Carl Cushman Hybels
April 22, 2024
I'm a new fan of Joan Hoff and Phil Hoff. I first heard of them yesterday (4/21/24) reading and viewing "A Vermont Century," from my local library, Hartford, VT. Thankyou for your and Phil's compassion, service and leadership. The Gov. Hoff admins pioneered much of what we love and associate with modern Vermont.
While I moved here in 2018 from NH, I have long Vermont relatives and ancestors. Helen Hyde who I knew taught in a 1 room school in the '40's then a Burlington elem school. Other Vermont ancestors were farmers from the Floating-Bridge-Town.
Thanks again Joan and Phil for your spirit and service.
C. Haff
October 21, 2023
I did not meet the Hoff family but have experienced the mental health perspective of their daughter Dagny a longtime Vermont Division of Licensing and Protection employee who impacted my entire working career as a nurse. C. Haff
Mary sullivan
June 25, 2022
Joan was one of the loveliest people I ever knew. She was smart and passionate. She stayed so committed to her values. I still miss stopping by visiting with Joan and Phil. Conversation was always so interesting. Xoxo
Sherrill Rood Harbison
July 16, 2020
I was a teenaged neighbor to the Hoffs in the 1950s and often babysat for Susan, Andrea, Dagny and Gretchen. I loved the family, and sometimes sketched portraits of the children. As years went on I saw her and Phil in social and political contexts, and never failed to be impressed by Joan's warmth, practicality, generosity, and kindness. I have thought of her often over long years, and am glad to see her personality reflected in all others say as well. Deep condolences and best wishes to the girls, whom I remember as they were.
Michael D. DAVIS
July 14, 2020
My Father (Tom) and Mother (Delores) were very good friends of the Hoff's and always spoke of them fondly. I met Joan when I was working as Governor Hoff's page in 1967. She was always very gracious and always seemed to have a smile when talking with you. Best wishes to the family and may she rest in peace.
Scudder H Parker
July 13, 2020
How can anyone be such a force of nature and at the same time so consistently thoughtful, respectful and wonderful to spend time with? Joan always made you feel welcome and cherished; and it was a joy to be with her. But she also always knew what was going on, struggled to keep perspective on a crazy world, and fought hard to make it better in so many ways. Many have said that Phil was a great man. He was. But right there beside him (not a step behind) was Joan, a truly great and wonderful woman.
Lauren-Glenn Davitian
July 6, 2020
We loved Joan and Phil so much. They remain pillars of integrity, empathy, kindness, brilliance and community service. Rest in peace. You live on in our hearts. xx
Sarah Soule
July 6, 2020
Joan was a wonderful gift to the State of Vermont, not only in terms of her support to Governor Hoff, but for all she did in her personal and public life. She was warm, genuine, and engaged in all she did. A truly significant loss for our state, but most definitely for her family.
Susan Sussman
July 6, 2020
i will always remember Joan coming out on a really cold day, to join my husband Scudder Parkers, honk and wave event when he ran for Governor of Vermont in 2006. There was Joan, holding a sign and waving. Always a passionate and committed person. So kind, smart and warm. Warm condolences to the Hoff family.
Mary Sullivan
July 6, 2020
One of the loviest women Ive ever known. Ill always miss her.
Kerin Stackpole
July 6, 2020
Dear Hoff Family -
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom. She was a lovely human being and a great partner to your Dad, who was also one of my favorite people. Their commitment to our Vermont community, and to the true ideals of equality in this country was really inspiring. They were such a lovely pair, and while your Mom was not someone who sought the spotlight, she was that calm presence who held everything together behind the scenes. And she did it with such good humor and grace. I miss them both. I am wishing you all peace and the joy of happy memories of both your parents. Best- Kerin Stackpole
Gilah (Rutstein) Podell
July 5, 2020
So sorry to hear about your mom. I have a lot of very fond memories of her and spent a lot of time in the Hoff house. She was a gracious, warm woman. She was the only person who let me bring a guy I met at Woodstock to the house when my mother said NO WAY!! But then, she thought otherwise when she saw him!! But she said no with grace which she had a lot of!! My condolences to all of you.
Carol Moran-Brown
July 5, 2020
i knew Joan and The Governor from St. Pauls in Burlington. Joans warmth, kindness, authenticity and compassion touched me so many times in so many ways. My life is better because I knew her and I know that is true for countless others.
To all Joans family and dear friends I offer my deepest sympathy.
Terie Cardella
July 4, 2020
I was 2 in 1952 when the Hoffs moved to the house across the street. Her first two daughters were my first friends. She was like a second mother to me. I was always welcome in their home, even on Christmas. I visited and stayed at her house in later years when I no longer lived in Burlington, and she was still a warm welcoming "mom". I can't begin to describe what a special person she was.
Thank you, Joan, for everything.
Jack Moreland
July 4, 2020
My condelances to Susan, Dagny, Andrea and Gretchen at the loss of their mother. Joan was the last surviving member of the Teaneck Kindergarten Group as my mother used to call it. Four girls (Joan, my mother Janet Price Moreland and 2 other gals) met about the time they entered kindergarten in Teaneck and stayed friends for their entire lives. Joan was my mother's dearest friend until my mother passed not quite 2 yrs ago. It says a lot when someone can be your friend for all those many years. Joan was good people.
Susan, Dagny, Andrea and Gretchen you did a find job teaming up to care for your mom and dad over the last few years. Your mom will live on in your memories.
Wayne Lavertue
July 4, 2020
My deepest condolences to the Hoff family on the passing of Joan, a truly beautiful and caring person. I had the pleasure to meet and get to know her and Gov. Hoff many years ago and considered them both dear friends and mentors. May God bless and comfort you all in this time of sorrow, and know we shall never forget your mother.
win jacobs
July 3, 2020
Joan was and will remain both inspiration to love and service and a happy memory. And Dabney, I am so glad to have met you, over dinner one Sunday night: the Hoff legacy lives on!
Fred and Ann Schmidt
July 3, 2020
We got to know Phil and Joan in their later years after having been inspired by them for so many years for their everlasting contributions to the families and children of Vermont. Joan was the epitome of graciousness and kindness. May her family find comfort at this time in the support of their many friends and each other. Fritz and Ann Schmidt
Dena Butler
July 3, 2020
My thoughts and condolences are with the family at this time. She was a Absolute pleasure to know! And im honored to have had met her. God bless.
Roxane and Jonathan Leopold
July 3, 2020
We have known Joan and Phil Hoff for 55 years. They were a remarkable and inspiring couple who transformed Vermont. As mentors to generations of young people, they provided compassionate and visionary leadership to create a better world. Joan was warm, generous, brilliant and always gracious. Among their many remarkable accomplishments, the Fresh Air Kids project, is particularly noteworthy today as an example of visionary leadership. Their contributions to the State of Vermont and for us personally were extraordinary. We last spoke with Joan six months ago and she was as delightful and charming as always. We will miss her.
Our prayers are with her family.
Jim Hartnett
July 3, 2020
Getting to know familys like the Hoffs is the reason i loved working at Shelburne Bay. Wonderful people
Lisa Longe
July 2, 2020
First and foremost to Joan daughters, I wanted to thank you for letting me care for your mom. Even though it was brief I was so grateful to be able to know such a warm, dynamic, caring and charismatic woman. Visiting her was the highlight of my day by far during this pandemic. I will miss seeing her daily and miss her gentleness and calming demeanor. And especially her quick witted one liners! Love and peace to the family and may her kindness and love live on forever within each of you. Love, Lisa
Nancy Pappas Trombley
July 2, 2020
I have always remember her as she was my co-leader for Girl Scout Troop #4 was in the 6th grade at the old Champlain Grade School.
Linda E JOHNSON
July 2, 2020
My heart goes out to Joan's wonderful family and many friends. Joan always spoke so lovingly and proudly of you all. Joan Hoff was one of the most humble, kind, brilliant and loving human beings I have ever known. Joan was President of the Board of Directors of what is now Prevent Child Abuse Vermont. Joan treated all folks with the same interest and high regard whatever their circumstances, or
challenges. Joan was a model of what we all can aspire to be.
Joan was my leader, friend and inspiration from the moment we met. Joan truly made a difference and will continue to make a difference as her work lives on in Vermont.
Robin Carr ( Cross )
July 2, 2020
Gretchen just wanted to tell you how sorry I am to hear about your moms passing,I remember her well and all the many week-ends we spent together when we were in the 6th grade. ❤
Kay H Ryfer
July 2, 2020
Joan Hoff was a vibrant person and a Democrat in the truest sense of the word. Kay H Ryder.
Ted Cohen
July 2, 2020
The Hoff family: wonderful people.
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