Cecil Sanford Hoffmann

CECIL S. HOFFMANN JAN 23, 1931 - FEB 23, 2018 Cecil Sanford Hoffmann, inveterate knitter and craftsperson, animal lover, music appreciator, sports fan, public servant, and dedicated Museum of New Mexico volunteer, died on Friday, February 23rd at her home in Jaconita. She was 87. Cecil was a 18-year resident of the Santa Fe area and was deeply connected to the people, history and culture at its heart. Born in England to Richard and Betty Barber Hoffmann, she spent her early years in Stockbridge, MA. After her family's move to Kansas during WWII, and to Denver, CO thereafter, Cecil was sent back East as a middle and high schooler to attend St Mary's School in Poughkeepsie, NY. From there, she went on to Smith College from which she graduated in 1952 with a degree in Theater. Cecil made her way to New York City after college, and found herself part of a vibrant off-Broadway theater scene and burgeoning film and television business. In the late 1960s, she moved south to settle in McLean, VA, a suburb of Washington, DC and to start what became a decades long career in public service. She took a job with the Department of the Interior where she worked under multiple administrations, until her retirement in the late 1990s. For many years, she also stayed involved in the theatre and music world in Virginia -- moonlighting backstage and helping work the door at the Birchmere Music Hall, a world renowned venue in Alexandria. Upon leaving government, Cecil also left the East and followed a cherished dream to start a new chapter in New Mexico. Her life in Jaconita was rich in friends whom she loved and who will miss her very much. Cecil was predeceased by her cherished brother Martin and leaves behind her beloved sisters Elizabeth Longstreet and Molly Mackinnon, and dear sister-in-law Muggy Hoffmann, along with generations of favorite nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations in Cecil's name may be made to: "Dartmouth College - Native American Program", Dartmouth College, 6066 Development Office, Hanover, NH 03755-4400. A memorial in Santa Fe in the Summer is pending.