Mary Kay Hoffman

1944 - 2023

Mary Kay Hoffman

Hawley, MA - Mary Kay Hoffman of Hawley MA filled her heart with LOVE and ART before passing on 02/21/2023.

She is survived by her husband Earl Pope of Hawley MA, her 4 children; Nathan Hoffman of Portland OR, Rachel Kelley (married to Steven Kelley) of Mashpee MA, Ben Pope (married to Carrie Worthen) of Los Angles CA, and Dan Pope (married to Pauliina Pope) of S. Berwick ME., and Nana to 6 grandchildren; Alex, Abby, Elli, Silja, Everett, and Pipsa.

Mary Kay was born in Canton Ohio on 7/22/1944 and discovered her talents when she was the class president of Lincoln HS. She was a member of the choir, and that led her to Kent State University where she earned her degree in Music Education.

In 1974 she moved to Greenfield MA where She dedicated her life to her Passions, Family and the visual and performing Arts. Greenfield was changed forever, and nothing was going to stop her from making the arts available to all.

Mary Kay was a driven community supporter in Pioneer Valley for over 50 years as the Director of the Franklin County Arts Council, an Advisor to the Mohawk Trail Concerts, and Founding member of Artspace.

She held many more titles including: Matron of Music, Princess of Pickles, Advocate of the Arts, Dame of Dance, Queen of Cooking, Countess of Kindness, Ladyship of Laughs, Cheerleader of Children, and High Priestess of Flower Gardens. But to all the Teachers, Students, and Artist, she often held the title of Surrogate Mother or Nana.

When it came to the arts, Mary Kay didn't accept conventional obstacles. She would often pick up and drive children to their music lessons or cheer them up with homemade pickles. Kids really did love her Dill and Cornichons and ask for them on the good days as well.

Mary Kay's passions and devotions to the community seemed limitless. She curated and catered trips to NYC, Jacob's pillow, Tanglewood, and Boston for Art, Dance, and Music. She worked at many festivals or put on pottery sales to raise money when not writing grants.

But few knew Mary Kay was the Midnight Phantom Gardner of public spaces around Greenfield. If she felt a public space was neglected, she weeded it and then planted flowers. Of course, many stray cats knew Mary Kay personally, as she would adopt them and bring them home to Hawley. Mary Kay always claimed they wanted to go home with her.

But when asked what Mary Kay felt was her greatest achievement and legacy, she said it was the development of a Youth Symphony and the support it needed with both instruments and teachers.

Mary Kay was a fierce personality that never gave up on her beliefs and dreams. She will be greatly missed as she is now organizing the afterlife where the music is in tune, on beat, and surrounded by beautiful flowers.

There will be a memorial service per Mary Kays instructions in August 2023. It will be held in her flower gardens in Hawley with food and music. Please use the link below to make a soft RSVP and you will be notified of further details.

https:tinyurl.com/MKHoffman

As you can Imagine, no flowers or pickles are needed at this time. However, if you would like to honor Mary Kay, please donate to the Pioneer Valley Youth Symphony Youth Orchestra. Those donations will tug at her heart STRINGS as beautiful music will continue after a lifetime dedicated to making a Youth Orchestra become a reality.

Charitable gifts by check can be made payable to "PVS" and sent to 239-R Main Street, Greenfield MA 01301. The PVS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations made in Mary Kay's memory will be restricted to support the Pioneer Valley Symphony Youth Orchestra and Strings for Kids programs.

For online guestbook and directions please visit www.chapmanfuneral.com.