Nancy Ellen Hoffman

Nancy Hoffman, born Nancy Ellen Cox, peacefully passed away in her Grayling home the morning of February 23rd, 2023.

Nancy was born in Rochester Michigan to Grover and Lillian (Ackley) Cox on November 3, 1929. Her family moved to Mullett Lake, Pontiac, and eventually to Graying in 1945, while she was in High School.

Nancy was crowned Miss Grayling Winter Sports Queen in 1947. She was a very accomplished pianist and began playing the organ at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at age 15 and continued to do so for the next 50 years. She enjoyed playing the piano for the Grayling High School musicals for many years and also in the local Dixie Land Band. Music flowed through her like a river, and she loved to sing with family and friends, and knew over a thousand songs. She also wrote some beautiful songs and music filled her thoughts and home and life.

She was briefly employed as secretary to Fred Bear. And then, as fate would have it, she made an appointment with the new optometrist in town, Ralph Hoffman, whom she married and spent 50 years as his wife until his death in 2005.

They had 6 children in 6 ½ years: Michael (Sharon), Bridget (Rif Hutton), John (Marianne), Maureen, Rosemary (Curt Karbum), and Barbara (John Whittaker).

She is dearly loved by her 11 grandchildren: Anmarie, Michael (parents- John and Marianne); Shannon (Mike and Sharon), James (Barbara and John); Kyle, Colin, Lydia, Tessa, Clark, Natalie, Audrey (Rosie and Curt); and Wolfgang (Bridget and Rif) And 5 great-grandchildren … Tessa, Max, Eli, Aya, and Chester.

She was a wonderful grandmother and was actively and joyfully involved in all their lives, giving generously and lovingly of her time, talent, and love.

Nancy is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph, her siblings, Mary, Barbara, William, and John Patrick…and many other friends and family.

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without” …was a tenet Nancy lived by her whole life. – and though she was teased, her family followed suit. Many trees and streams were subsequently safeguarded through her lifelong practice and example of conservatism.

At the Grayling Country Club, the ladies loved her jokes, her decorations, her prayers, and special contributions to the Woman’s League, and she served a term as President during her long tenure as a member as well.

In every area of her life and in everything she did or took part in, she imbued the event with beauty and elegance. And delicious fare.

She is loved and appreciated by many nieces and nephews, family members and friends for her warm hospitality, and open, welcoming heart.

Nancy was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic church, and the Ladies’ Auxiliary. Her faith was complete… unquestioning and unwavering.

May she rest in Peace.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Monday, June 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM with visitation starting at 10:00 AM.

Arrangements entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.