Barbara Irene Hoffman

1947 - 2017

Barbara Hoffman

December 22, 1947 - June 14, 2017

Barbara was born Barbara Irene Phillips on December 22, 1947, in Oakland California, and passed June 14, 2017. She was born in her home, which although trendy today, was unusual for the time. She was three months premature, and due to the antiquated medical theories at the time, was not even allowed to go to the hospital for medical care. A true fighter, she went on and enjoyed a happy childhood, and graduated Oakland High School in 1966. Barbara was known to her child hood friends as "Pepsi" for her always upbeat personality. She attended California State University Hayward, and was very proud to have made the cheerleading team, where "Pepsi" rooted tirelessly for her team.
Barbara went on to do many different remarkable things with her life, and throughout her career she choose to dedicate herself to professions that helped others, including teaching and Biotechnology. Her most remarkable career was that of a stay at home mother. Barbara's two children through her first marriage to Leonard Goldman, Christina and Katherine, were her world. They lived as a family in Piedmont, California. When she invited other children to her home to play, their eyes lit up because they knew they were in for fun times, and her world-best chocolate chip cookies. On long road trips, with not much on the radio during the 1970s, she would make up "Sally-Ann" stories as she went along with great imagination to keep her restless children occupied. She made every single holiday and birthday a magical experience. The hard work of both Barbara and Leonard resulted in two beautiful daughters, who are each successful and fulfilled in their own lives and careers as now middle-aged women.
After raising her children, Barbara married her second husband, Marc Hoffman on March 27, 1993. They enjoyed a 23 year marriage, filled with adventures and fun times. They were regular fans at The Oakland A's games, and loved enjoying listening to live music together. They enjoyed trips to England, Hawaii, British Columbia and Disneyland (yes Disneyland). They also took trips with Barbara's adult children, such as a family trip to a spa adventure in the wine country, and visits to Oregon during the decade Christina lived there.
Although Barbara was probably frustrated her daughters took so long to have children of their own, the happiest moments in her final years were spending times with her three grandchildren. She loved being a grandmother just as much as she loved being a mother, and enjoyed every minute with Benjamin, Evan and Kira.
Barbara was raised Unitarian, and regularly attended a Unitarian Church in Berkeley as a child, but confirmed Catholic on April 3, 2010. God heard her prayers and by this we know she is Saved. Instead of allowing years of suffering, God transported her Soul to a place where she can sing, and dance and watch over those she left behind. She is dearly remembered by her sisters Karen and Lee Ann, parents Eleanor and Jack, daughters Christina and Katherine – and last but not least, Loving husband Marc Hoffman.