Donna Hoffman

Donna Hoffman, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on December 30, 2025 from complications to cancer. She left us suddenly, perhaps the first time in her life she was early for anything.

Born on July 27, 1951, Donna was raised in Jersey City, New Jersey. After graduating from William Paterson College, she eventually settled and raised a family in Laurel, Maryland. Twenty-one years ago, she relocated to Bluffton, South Carolina, beginning a successful career in sales and marketing with Spinnaker Resorts, where her charisma, determination, and love of people served her well.

Donna’s professional path reflected her curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit, as she pursued many passions throughout her life. Her work included serving as a federal lobbyist for ARCO (now ExxonMobil), selling jewelry at JCPenney, a columnist for the Laurel Leader, and founding her own promotional apparel business, Ad Specialties by Gold Lightning.

A true free spirit, Donna marched to the beat of her own drum. As a child of the late 1960s, she embraced the era’s adventurous energy. She was bold, independent, and unafraid to live on her own terms. Known for her strong will and unmistakable personality, she loved being the life of the party and formed deep, lasting friendships along the way. Her philosophy toward living mirrored her love for poker and gambling: she dreamed big, pressed her luck, and played until the end, always believing the next hand might be the best yet.

Beyond her devotion to family and friends, Donna loved travel, Pinot Grigio, good music, bargain hunting at Marshalls and T.J. Maxx, playing Bingo, Washington Redskins football, and quiet moments when you could find a good book and a Diet Coke in her hand.

She is survived by her son, Adam Goldberg, his wife Dana, and her cherished grandchildren, Zoe and Jack. She also leaves behind her brother, Jeff Hoffman, and his wife Lucy, along with her loving partner, Steve Pfeifer. She is pre-deceased by her parents, Irv and Edna Hoffman.

An avid dog lover, Donna found constant companionship in her many beloved dogs. She was preceded in death by Caesar, Mateus, Broccoli, Barley, Alex, and Jersey, and is remembered by her faithful doggies Savannah and Cabo, who remained by her side.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, SC 29910.

Additionally, a Shiva will take place on Monday, January 5, 2026 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the home of Donna’s son Adam Goldberg, 12417 Bobbink Court, Potomac, MD, 20854.