Mary Elizabeth Hoffmeyer

1936 - 2026

Boise - Mary Elizabeth Hoffmeyer, aged 89, passed away peacefully on March 5th, 2026 in Boise, Idaho in the comfort of her home. An artistic woman with a clever wit and an affinity for mystery novels, there was hardly a surface she couldn't - or rather wouldn't - paint. From canvas, glassware, and rocks to the walls of her home, almost everything she owned, no matter its size or use, had some adoration of delicate florals or pastels.

Mary was born on July 10th,1936, six minutes after her twin sister, the late Martha Hoffmeyer Bay, to the late Evelyn E. and William T. Hoffmeyer in Morgantown, West Virginia. Her father was a chaplain for the US Army and would tote his wife, Mary, and her five siblings: Bill Hoffmeyer, Esther Hicks, Marti Bay, John Hoffmeyer, and Sara Schemick to live all across the US and the world by the time she was 18. Her family's lifestyle would shape her fondness for learning, cultures, and travel. In 1955, she would take her first painting classes and develop her relationship with God. All of these became guiding principles and endless pursuits in her life.

In 1958 she married the late Roy Herman and they had two children together: Jennifer Ebel and Jeffrey Herman. They settled in Marsing, Idaho, where Mary worked at the family-owned Marsing Hardware Store, raised their children, and was an active member of the Marsing community. By the mid 2000s, Mary had made several trips through Europe, South America, and the US before finally settling in Boise to be closer to her children and grandchildren. At this time, she joined St Michael's Episcopal Cathedral and became closely involved in the church community and charity efforts.

Mary will be tenderly remembered as a doting, dedicated mother and grandmother, and a shark at card and word games, a bridge player for over 50 years who was hard to beat and even harder to quit. She maintained her sharp wit, gentle spirit, and her profound grace when she died - surrounded by her painted walls, and supported by her children and caring neighbors. Mary is survived by her sister, Sara Schemick; her two children and their spouses: Jennifer(Allan)Ebel and Jeffrey(Emily Wallace)Herman; six grandchildren: Jason Whittington, Jordan Whittington, Lindsey(Clint)Farmer, Lydia Herman, Isabella Herman, and Juliette Herman; and one great-grandchild Milo Farmer. Funeral services for Mary will take place on Saturday March 21, 2026 at 11:00am at St. Michael's Episcopal Cathedral in Boise, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Michael's Organ Fund for the maintenance and preservation of its musical instrument.