Ethel Rita Hofmaier

1938 - 2014

Ethel Rita Hofmaier

Peninsula - On September 14, 2014, we lost a courageous, strong, quick-witted woman, mother, companion, and friend. Ethel Rita Hofmaier, 75 years young, lost a hell of a battle with cancer.

Ethel was born in Crofton, Nebraska. She was predeceased by her parents Lawrence and Katheryne Hofmaier and her brother Donald of Crofton, NE. She is survived by 5 brothers and 2 sisters. Brothers: Dennis (Jan) of Chicago, IL, Allan (Ardie) of Phoenix, AZ, Jim of North Bend, OR, Terrance of San Diego, CA, and Gordon (Judi) of Mitchell, NE. Sisters: Ann Halverson (Glenn), Jane Rupiper (Larry), both of Yankton, SD, and sister-in-law Sallie of Crofton, NE. Also, Lisa Halverson of Yankton, SD and 20 other nieces and nephews.

Ethel graduated as Valedictorian of her high school class. She began her professional career working for the CIA, became a member of the Naval Reserve, and eventually retired from the contracts department of Supervisor of Shipbuilding (SUPSHIP) at Newport News Shipbuilding in 1995.

Ethel is survived by her fiancé, companion, friend, and devoted caretaker, Hillie Harris, of Yorktown, VA. Together they enjoyed 17 years of boating, fishing (citation for bass), gardening, a plethora of adventures, and travel including the Grand Canyon, Pikes Peak, Alaska, New England, and the southern United States. With never an idle moment, they constantly strived to complete their bucket list wishes. Ethel's bucket list was completed in 2013 following a trip to Michigan.

Ethel will be missed tremendously by her children, Brian Nozolino (Robbie) of Chesapeake, VA, Bruce Nozolino of Colorado Springs, CO, Lynn Whittaker (Dave) of Suffolk, VA, and Chad Harris (Ami) of Cary, NC. She is also survived by her ex-husband and friend, John Nozolino of Nags Head, NC. Ethel's grandchildren Halie, John, Julian, Brittany, and Bobbi Jo were a continuous source of pride for her. She was constantly amazed by their growth, maturity, and achievements at such young ages.

Ethel was an accomplished woman she was a member of MENSA and the Appalachian Trail hikers, and she graduated summa cum laude from Thomas Nelson Community College. She won a trophy in competitive handball. Prior to her illness, she was a member of the Senior Swingers Bowling League at Sparetimes in Hampton. She inspired and guided her extended family to build a small flotilla of cardboard boats to race in the cardboard boat regatta held annually by the Williamsburg Jaycees. In the past two years, the family placed 1st and 2nd overall, respectively.

Ethel will always be remembered for her strength, intelligence, tenacity, and complete unselfishness. She inspired with her courage, her endless curiosity and desire to learn, and her dry, quick wit.

She was, is, and always will be missed, loved, and respected by her family and friends.

Special thanks goes to Dr. John Mattern of Virginia Oncology and his staff for the care they provided during her battle with cancer. Thanks also to the Sentara Hospice group.

In honoring her wishes, no public service will be held. In her remembrance, please plant something beautiful. Cremation Society of VA is assisting the family.