Minda Sue "Minda MacGyver" Hoffman

Minda Sue Hoffman
2/2/1963 – 4/16/2025

Announcement of Death

Minda Sue Hoffman (nee Rufus/Gates), 62 (San Clemente, CA) passed away peacefully entering eternal rest with the Lord on April 16, 2025 (Mission Viejo, CA) following a faithfully inspired graceful and courageous lengthy period with lung cancer. Minda was born February 2, 1963 (Hillsboro, IL).

Family

Minda was preceded in death by her mother, Donna Faye West, nee Rufus-Gates, (Hillsboro, IL), her father Robert C. Davis, U.S. Army Veteran (Irving, IL) and brother, James "Michael" Rufus-Gates, U.S. Navy Veteran (Edwardsville, IL).

Minda, a beloved loving devoted wife was survived by her husband, Gregory Allan Hoffman, 62, (San Clemente CA), brother-in-law, Tom Hoffman (Lakewood, CO), sister-in-law Diane Chia (Cincinnati, OH), brother-in-law and sister-in-law Marty (Sue Hofmann) Hoffman (Cincinnati, OH), brother-in-law John Hoffman (Cincinnati, OH), sister-in-law, Shinobu (Shino) Gates (Hakodate, Hokkaido Japan), and half-sister, Krystal Davis (South Wilmington, IL) along with many nieces and nephews.

Life Summary

Personal Life

Minda, along with her younger brother, Mike Gates were raised by her wonderful caring proud hard-working mother, Donna West in a small town of Irving, IL. Minda treasured all her family and friends from early childhood and it carried on with her throughout her young adult life through adulthood. She highly valued personal relationships and was loved by all for her sweet warm-spirited, genuine, friendly, clever, witty, fun loving, intelligent nature along with that unique signature child-like angelic voice. She never lost her small-town roots that made her free-spirited easy-going lovable personality so very special.

Minda graduated from Hillsboro High School in the class of 1981. It was the formative high school years that she met so many new lifelong friends that continued to be a major part of her life providing endless love and support until her final day. Minda with her fabulous friends shared so many adventurous fun times that are to be forever remembered and cherished close to heart.

Minda still shy in nature, spread her wings further progressing courageously to attend college at the Southern Illinois University (SIU Carbondale) majoring in Computer Science. During the school years she worked part time in the SIU computer science lab and in summer months full time back home honing her people and multi-tasking skills while serving local customers at the famous Carol's diner in Irving. Her inherent natural technical skills took flight as she graduated in 1985 with a B.S. in Computer Science and an Associates Applied Science in Electronic Data Processing. Minda's hard work ethic and wonderful scholastic achievement was celebrated with family, relatives and friends as she was the first in her family to obtain a college degree!

After graduation, Minda quickly launched her professional career transitioning to full time employment at the SIU Computer Science Lab. Shortly after, she landed her first Information Technology position in the IT department for a major Life Insurance company. She commuted long distance carpooling for several years or so from Hillsboro to Springfield IL. Minda grew tired of the long commute all the while growing equally restless with the small-town living. Never settling and always in constant pursuit of her next adventure for personal and professional growth, Minda with one of her local hometown best friends embarked on a search for "California Gold" and the West Coast's cool Pacific Ocean with sandy beaches by relocating to the Golden state in 1988. Both reunited with a few other hometown friends that had preceded them years before in moving to California. It was in California that her life would blossom and most importantly be richly blessed.

On a warm sunny Saturday afternoon in Huntington Beach, as Minda was quietly basking and peacefully enjoying the beach, another of Minda's lifelong friends (co-worker) introduced her to Greg Hoffman, a native of Cincinnati OH on July 22, 1989. Greg relocated to Huntington Beach for employment in the Aerospace and Defense industry upon graduating in engineering from the University of Cincinnati in 1986. Little did Minda (or Greg) know that they both were soon quickly inseparable and would become the love of each other's life. Both started dating as their lifelong adventure and journey began. As they planned a future life together, both began attending Catholic mass together regularly in 1991 at the Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano. At that time, Minda had no regular organized religious faith in her life.

Minda possessed an energetic positive and contagious spirit. She was the true ultimate genuine "Dragonfly Warrior" that was full of "GRIT". A beautiful kind forgiving soul who always impacted those who met or knew her at any level. Minda's sole purpose was to live every day in a God-like manner. She was AMAAAZZZZING! There will never be another Minda Sue!!!

She was simple and joyous throughout her entire blessed life. Minda will be remembered for her intelligent, kind, warm, cheerful, friendly, fun loving, witty, clever persona that touched all our hearts, spirits and souls. Her passionate sense of humor with that unique "award-winning" unforgettable innocent gentle child-like voice and classic giggle were more precious than anyone could ever imagine.

Minda was a true blessing to her lifelong love, husband and best friend, Greg. As well as, to all her family, friends, co-workers and all others who came into her life. She loved life and everyone immensely, never taking anyone, anything or any day for granted. She loved all others unconditionally without ever needing anything in return.

Catholic Faith

Minda's faith and relationship with Jesus Christ steadily grew and deepened over the years as it became a focal point in her life. After some career, financial and health setbacks for both along the way, Minda had continued in her spiritual growth and experienced an awakening to the Holy Spirit's calling to the Catholic faith. Minda decided to be baptized Catholic at the Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano prior to her wedding with Greg. Minda soon after anxiously and eagerly joined the Adult Faith's Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) program as a catechumen at the Mission. She was baptized with Holy Water from the River Jordan into the church at the Easter Vigil, April 15, 1995. Minda and Greg were married the following year on October 12, 1996 (Carlinville IL) in celebration amongst family and friends. Eventually settling in San Clemente in 1999 with the purchase of their first home.

As throughout her beautiful life and her professional career, Minda's strong curiosity and desire to continually learn, educate and pursue spiritual growth propelled her Catholic faith journey further in her unwavering devotional relationship with Jesus. Minda fell in love with the Lord as the Sunday mass celebration always started her week off renewed and refreshed. Her Catholic faith was the most important charter in her life. Minda became actively involved enjoying various parish ministries, church functions and activities over the next 28 years. The first being a Rite of Chistian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) sponsors to other catechumens pursuing baptism and teaching the Breaking the Word lessons on Sunday morning. Sharing her faith, praying and teaching the Word of God to other future catechumens was one her favorite passions and the most rewarding. Other Mission parish activities over the years were Jubilee celebrations, major campaign fund raisers, bible studies, and another most favorite being a team member on the Living in Christ Lenten adult retreat planning group. Her heart-warming touching personal & spiritual talks, large group photos, publishing of creative Shutterfly memory books with bathroom decorations were most rewarding & memorable. Mass at the Mission Basilica or thru regular prayer with the rosary at home together always provided her already deep faith with continued renewed strength, courage, healing and blessings to carry on ever so gracefully. All the moments of grace were especially welcomed and comforting during her long period of suffering and illness.

Professional Career

Minda enjoyed a fabulous successful rewarding 40 year career in Information Technology. She was a creative, patient, confident, proudful hard working team player. One always more interested in the group's success than her own individual accolades or achievements. Extremely disciplined, motivated and highly driven work ethic that she learned first-hand from her mother's up bringing and example. Minda constantly sought to improve her personal, professional and technical skills through continued education, seminars and obtaining many industry-wide specialized certifications. She always looked to continually acquire new skills to bring to her employers. Minda brought her genuine likeable personality to the job tasks every day. Often inspiring and motivating others to join in on the fun of working toward common goals and objectives for the benefit of all. When required her forceful take charge "get it done" demeaner would emerge to get things accomplished. A trait inherited from her mother no doubt along with being raised to be self-sufficient and independent as life often demands. Her co-workers often held her in high-esteem for her unwavering kindness, compassion, integrity, commitment, dedication, leadership and team building skills she consistently exemplified. Minda loved to work with others on major projects, but most importantly cherished fostering meaningful lifelong friendships.

Minda held various senior IT positions as an IT consultant, project manager and business analyst within the Orange County area. She gained a wealth of knowledge with valuable experience supporting a multitude of industries and business segments throughout her career (insurance, aerospace, defense, credit, real estate, auto, mortgage lending, operations, finance, banking, manufacturing, sales & marketing).

Interests & Hobbies

Minda had an endless variety of diverse ideas, interests, hobbies and passions. Though she always held onto the practice of "doing nothing" to regroup and relax her mind, body, spirit and soul. She loved her homelife as it was her small sanctuary. It was her personal precious time to escape from the outside world.

Most notable passions were her deep love for her two adorable precious girls (dogs), Sienna Reh (tan miniature pinscher, Dec 14, 2003-Dec. 10, 2020) and Daphne Lynn (rescued black chihuahua, Feb. 1, 2009-May 3, 2021). Both in their innocent cute lovable "make your heart melt" nature, always brought enormous amounts of smiles, laughter, joy, peace, love and comfort to Minda's and Greg's lives. Going for neighborhood walks or just snuggling up together on the couch, chair or bed together was a regular treasured ritual. Early Saturday morning excursions to Panera Bread for a whipped latte and cream cheese bagel drove the girls crazzzy begging for a taste of that whipped foamy latte and cream cheese!

The weekend trips, holidays gatherings, birthday celebrations and brunches together with her beloved LA and OC girls were always extra special. A time to unwind, bond, and share laughter and mutual love for one another during so many fun precious moments. Minda captured many of those good times in her illustrious Shutterfly photo books! Minda often visited her hometown lifelong friends back in Hillsboro too for the Christmas holidays, special occasions or annual events such as the historic Old Settler's festival. Oh my, those lifelong cherished memories together celebrating with all her incredible wonderful dear friends and loved ones will live on, never ever to be forgotten.

Minda particularly enjoyed watching old classic, romantic comedies, cartoons, documentaries, history, Christmas & Easter and faith based themed shows and movies (Turner Classic, Great American Family, Freeform Disney etc.). Also, the Bold and Beautiful soap opera when she was in need of a good dose of endless poor drama. Greg joined her even becoming a big classic movie fan! A dinner date with movie at the theatre was a favorite relaxing pastime if there was an intriguing premier of interest. Her favorite eats being a Mexican entree with a thirst-quenching margarita at the local Asada Cantina! Sporting events or live concerts were overly exciting events especially if Greg's hometown Cincinnati Bengals, Red's game or a Classic Rock show were on the slate. She much preferred attending live sporting events than a televised broadcast. Minda was always an enthusiastic sports fan, a good sport even though her attention spans waned and drifted off to the celebrities in the crowd or venue's entertainment. Greg being a loyal sports fan did have to bribe her with breakfast, lunch or dinner from time to time. San Clemente's Café Mimosa's delicious menu was a frequent go to on Saturday mornings.

During the holidays (Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Halloween, Memorial Day, 4 th of July etc.), Minda always decorated the house so incredibly magnificent inside and out. Her decorative craft abilities were a special gift and hobby that made the house so warm, special and festive. Her flower arrangements and decorations were just "beeeaaauuuutiful." A secret hidden self-taught talent indeed. Minda just loved the visits to Hobby Lobby and Michael's for those "bargain of the century" craft specials. Christmas brought us the annual homeowner's neighborhood Christmas light contest to which we deserved the top winner, but we settled for honorable mention in silent protest. The Dana Point Christmas lights boat parade was a regular merry event along with the annual visit to Roger's Gardens Newport Beach where Minda was in heaven! The spectacular San Clemente 4 th of July fireworks from the pier were our way to celebrate our nation's Independence Day after an enjoyable cookout on the grill, God bless America! Minda enjoyed the quaint small-town surfing beach vibe of San Clemente. It provided both her and Greg with so many breathtaking walks along the coast, fantastic sunsets and memories of a lifetime.

Minda regularly enjoyed seasonal outside yardwork equally too planting her latest nursery landscape creations of flowers, plants and trees. Around the house, Minda proudly earned the nickname, "Minda MacGyver", for her ingenious "out of the box" imagination to be able to quick fix small things in her own unconventional manner. Never to be denied or defeated, she always found a way!

In keeping with her continued constant desire to self-educate, learn and enhance her knowledge base, Minda read or watched podcasts incessantly in her free time. She had a strong interest in areas of health and nutrition, traditional medicine, integrative & alternative medicine etc. She would regularly research & diagnose her health concerns to the degree of providing physicians guidance on what tests she wished to have performed. All documented by copious notes in advance with guideline handouts. Her physicians were endlessly amazzzed with her breadth of knowledge. Greg benefited a ton from Minda's wealth of valuable shared expertise.

Minda was extremely disciplined when exercising in a regularly scheduled instructor guided environment as it challenged her beyond her limits. Her favorite workout prior to becoming ill were the weekly Orange Theory Fitness (OTF) sessions. She was more than determined to get back to the OTF classes and craved those invigorating high intensity workouts!!! Alternatively, she frequently worked out at home in the early morning with the Total Gym, treadmill equipment etc.

Minda loved to cook healthy meals for the week on Sundays after morning mass. Her large vast recipe collection always provided plenty good tasty healthy eats for Greg. Cincinnati's famous Montgomery Inn barbecue ribs, Skyline Chili and Greaters' ice cream were our regular Cincy's hometown treat! Soooo Yummy! There's a small taste of Minda Sue, there is soooo much more to her wonderful life that she loved so dear!

God Bless Your Beautiful Soul,

Rest in Peace Minda, Our beloved blessed angel on earth!