Karen Hoffman

Karen Hoffman
July 20, 1943 ~ September 20, 2008

Name: Karen Ann Walsh Hoffman
Life Dates: 7/20/1943 - 9/20/2008
City Of Birth: Troy, NY
Pre-deceased by
She is pre-deceased by mother, Helen (Fleming) Walsh; father, Vincent Walsh; stepfather, Robert Garrett and niece Rachel (Walsh) Mears.
Survived by
Greece: Died peacefully at home on Saturday, September 20, 2008 after a courageous, odds-defying battle with cancer. She left this earth as she lived on it - with grace, dignity, class, and on her own terms. Survived by her loving family - husband, Kenneth Hoffman; son, Craig Hoffman and daughter-in-law, Susanne (Moutrie) Hoffman; son, Kirk Hoffman; brother, Martin V. Walsh; sister-in-law, Mary Walsh; grandchildren, Hallie and Benjamin Hoffman; nephews, Marty, Michael and Mark Walsh; and many dear, extended family members.
History
Karen grew up in Troy, NY, was a 1965 graduate of the College of St. Rose in Albany, and held a masters degree in counseling from SUNY Brockport. She worked for many years as an adoption counselor with Family Services of Rochester, and as a counselor at various Greece public schools. Karen was a fierce advocate of the best education for the children of Greece, being elected to the Greece Public School Board for 18 years from 1986 to 2004, and serving as its president from 1992-1994 1998-1999. She was also president of the Monroe County School Boards Association from 1998 to 1999. Karen served on numerous committees, always believing that it was possible for people to work together, and laboring tirelessly to build consensus and harmony. Throughout Karen's life, from her growing up in Troy, to living in Rochester for 41 years, and summering on the Maine coast the last 10 years, she was a powerful social force. She was the first 2-year social chairperson in college, and this community building continued throughout her life. She was always planning parties, entertaining guests, and reaching out to make sure everyone was included. Karen also richly enjoyed her family, reading, travel, and the beauty and summer sun of the Maine coast. Her sport of choice was shopping, and she treasured finding that special deal for her grandchildren. The fruits of her shopping labors resulted in the occasional reference as the best-dressed woman in Greece.
Donations
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to assist the world's poor through Engineering Ministries International, 130 East Kiowa Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.
Services
BARTOLOMEO PEROTTO Funeral Home, Inc. 1411 Vintage Lane (between 390 Long Pond Rd.) where the family will receive friends Monday, September 22, 2-4 6-8 pm for a celebration of Karen's life. The Funeral Mass will be offered Tuesday, 9:00 am, at Our Mother of Sorrows Church (5000 Mt. Read Blvd. in Greece), with burial following at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.