Rachel Anne Hoffenberg

Rachel Hoffenberg was born in Fremont, N.C., daughter of tobacco farmers Jurney Lee Davis and Charlotte E. Mumford Davis. She had three older brothers and two half siblings who predeceased her.

After graduating from Fremont High School, Rachel attended East Carolina University where she majored in education. She taught in Raleigh for a few years, then went on to earn her Masters in Education at Duke University. Being a Duke alumna was one of her proudest accomplishments, and also ignited her passion for Blue Devils' basketball (ABC).

At Duke she met David Solomon Hoffenberg, of Brooklyn, New York, whom she married on August 12, 1956. In 1957 she had their first child, Judith, then Joseph in 1960 and finally Rebecca in 1973. Due to the demands of David's business career, the family moved all around the country, and even to the U.S. Virgin Islands, where they lived on a houseboat!

After David's sudden death in 1976 she returned to her North Carolina roots and established a different kind of life, staying put for the next 41 years. She also returned to teaching, a career in which she thrived and was beloved. She taught first at Carolina Beach Elementary (1977-1983) then at Bellamy Elementary (1984-1995). During these years she enjoyed days at the beach with her younger daughter, daily walks around Hickory Knoll, and sitting outside socializing during long summer evenings.

In retirement she traveled widely and delighted in her grandsons. With the support of family, friends and neighbors she remained in her Hickory Knoll home until she was 88. After that she moved to Lake Shore Commons in Wilmington, and then to an assisted living community in Vermont, where she could be close to her oldest daughter.

She is survived by her children Judith, Joseph, and Rebecca, and her grandsons Paolo and Mateo. We are grateful for her long 95 years of life. She will be greatly missed.

Per Rachel's wishes, there will be no services held at this time.