Mary Elizabeth Hoffman

Mary Elizabeth (nee Kimball Gibbs) Hoffman, 73 of Sault Ste. Marie Michigan, departed this life on September 7th, 2016 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City Michigan after a short illness. Mary was born at home in Sault Ste. Marie Ontario on December 6, 1942 to the late Edward Gibbs and Laura May Kathleen (Kimball) Gibbs from Michipicoten First Nation. After her mother died when Mary was three years old she was raised by her father and step mother Annie Gibbs who she respectfully knew as her mother. Mary met the love of her life Robert Hoffman met when they were just 18 and they were married soon after. Robert fondly remembers that he knew the first time he saw Mary she was the one, the one true love of his life. Mary and Robert devoted the next 56 years together and raised five children. Mary worked at War Memorial Hospital for over twenty years and was a recognized Union Stewart well known for her dedication and strength in negotiations. After leaving War Memorial Hospital, Mary and Robert owned and operated an antiques and furniture refinishing business. In her later years she also worked at Sault Tribe Kewadin Casino and at Sault Tribe Tribal Health and Human Services Center (IHS). Mary loved and excelled at creating beautiful crafts, interior decorating and learning her traditional Anishinaabemowin Language. Mary is survived by her husband and greatest admirer Robert Hoffman, sister Dorothy (Mike) Adams, son Gerald (Jerry) Hoffman, daughters Laura Hoffman, Cheryl LaPlaunt (Ryan Shunk), Robin Hoffman and Wendy Hoffman as well as grandchildren Mark Hoffman, Stacy Nash, David Hoffman, Tyler Pemberton, Shelby Hoffman, Steven Hoffman, Kyle LaPlaunt, Miranda Nolan, Chelsea Hoffman, Ron Goetz Jr., Joseph Hoffman and Autumn Hoffman. Also, great grandchildren Kyra and Paisley Pemberton, Eric Baker Jr. and Callie Baker. Mary was preceded in death by precious grandson James Hoffman, father and mother Edward and Laura May Kathleen (Kimball) Gibbs, Annie Gibbs, brothers, Bill Gibbs, Loyd Gibbs and Edward Gibbs, and dearest lifelong friend Viola (Vi) Thompson. Friends are welcome to join family in celebrating Mary's life with a traditional ceremony at the Niigaanagiizhik Ceremonial Building in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan on Thursday, September 15th beginning at 11:00 followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers memorials may be left to the family, help with funeral expenses at C.S. Mulder Funeral Home.

Tributes

Mary Elizabeth Hoffman

December 6, 1942 - September 7, 2016