Jill Thompson Hoffman

Jill Thompson Hoffman, 95
1930 - 2025
Marblehead - Jill Thompson Hoffman passed away peacefully at home in Marblehead on the morning of September 24, 2025, at the age of 95. Born August 2, 1930, in Fresno, California, Jill was the only child of M. Faye and William H. Thompson of New York. She grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut, where her love of art and beauty began early and never left her. After attending Hartford Junior College and completing her studies at the Rhode Island School of Design, Jill moved west with her parents and worked as a draftsperson in the emerging field of aeronautical engineering at both Boeing in Seattle and Armour Research in Chicago. Her family moved back to the East Coast in the mid 1950's. A chance visit to an MIT lab in Cambridge led to a job offer and, soon after, to meeting her future husband, Thomas E. Hoffman. Their courtship was filled with fun adventures: driving for weekends skiing at Cannon Mountain in Tom's unheated Austin Healey, or sailing out of Marblehead Harbor on a classic wooden Alden sailboat. They married in 1956 in a small chapel on Sugar Hill in New Hampshire, and celebrated afterwards at the Horse and Hound Inn, a favorite apres ski destination in Franconia, New Hampshire.
Jill and Tom built a life in Marblehead, restoring an antique home and creating spaces full of charm and character. Jill was happiest making a home that felt warm and authentic. She and Tom also designed and hand-built a ski house in Franconia, where Jill famously hammered nails on the roof while pregnant with their only child. Although they sold their sailboat, they became active members of the Eastern Yacht Club. Jill was a devoted mother to her daughter, Betsy, and later a doting grandmother to her two grandsons. Jill's grace extended beyond her home- she was a beautiful ice skater, an elegant skier, and a passionate gardener. She was a long-time member of the Marblehead Garden Club. She loved the ocean. Swimming in the harbor down at Flat Rock beach or in the cove at Glover Landing gave her particular joy. Her creativity flourished in painting, studying with noted Cape Ann artists, and exploring watercolor techniques. Later, after her daughter was in high school and college, Jill traveled to Europe on skiing vacations with her husband and friends. In retirement, she created a winter escape out of an adobe casita in Tubac, AZ. where she and Tom spent many winters. They adopted a vintage golf cart called the "Blue Gopher" to get around. Friends remember her for her effortless style, warmth, and her love of beauty and the natural world.
Jill adored her family, and her beloved cat, Snowflake. She leaves behind her daughter, Betsy S.Hoffman, and grandsons William T. Hundahl and Hansen W. Hundahl, all of Marblehead. Her life was full of beauty, creativity, and love. Although she outlived most of her contemporaries and friends, she will be greatly missed by many.
Service Information: A private celebration of life will be held. Donations may be made to either Care Dimensions: Hospice and Palliative Care, MA or the Marblehead Museum. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for Jill's family.