Anna Hofmann was a remarkable person. She had a keen intellect mixed with kindness and compassion. She was a college graduate in the field of science during a time when women from working class families generally did not attend college. Education was very important to her parents. She had many interests: photography, reading, weaving, cooking, square dancing, concern for the environment and anything her children were interested in. She was truly a renaissance woman. I am so fortunate that she was my aunt and I am honored to have been part of her life's journey. I have so many beautiful memories of family dinners, camping trips and just quiet (and not so quiet) conversations with her. I am particularly grateful to Aunt Anna because after my mother (her sister) died, I felt lost. She helped me by telling stories about my mom and how she loved her sister and she loved me. I felt bathed in this warm secure light. Having Aunt Anna in my life was like knowing that there was a lighthouse out there. No matter where one was, one knew that guiding light was out there. Anna was that light. She has left a great legacy in her children, grandchildren, and now, great-grandchildren. Again, I am very grateful to have known Anna Manchak Hofmann. God bless her.

I remember very well as an adolescent and then as a teenager many long conversations with Anna. She would often be reading a very thick book throughout the afternoon. Mostly these were very serious historical works or literature. She would sometimes pause at the end of a chapter, put her book in her lap, and we would have long conversations about history and life experiences. Her knowledge of history was extensive and it was not only anecdotal and personal but academic as well. Then, I found myself somewhat surprised that my attention was held as it was, and she was so generous with her attention to me. She listened to my ideas. We'd debate. We'd disagree with each other. Concede when the other made good points.

Now, I am struck by her ability to separate the anecdotal from the academic, or more so, to meld the two into her own unique insight. She didn't recite facts or other people's knowledge. She didn't just remember one sunny afternoon. She could offer an analysis of that sunny afternoon in her life and place it in a historical context. She'd then draw lessons from experience, from texts, and use them to analyze the present and our lives in it. Even then, I recognized it as wisdom. But I also recognized it as the product of a very sharp intellect. I soon found myself, even as a teenager on a weekend, interrupting her with my own question or provocative comment to engage her in another one of our long discussions.

Anna was an important part of my childhood who always welcomed me to come over to play with Karen and be with her family. She provided a haven and a strong moral compass. She didn't mind that we took over her livingroom building homes for our Barbie dolls with big blocks or playing monopoly or risk, which she often joined in. I have so many memories, such as joining the Hofmann family to go camping in Beaverkill and Montauk. There were the summer afternoons in her backyard, playing on the swing set and trapeze or swimming in the pool she would set up. She included me in trips to ice skating where she sat outside on the cold bleachers, knitting and smiling encouragingly when I mastered a jump. Anna taught us all as our girl scout leader, a role she excelled in for over 5 years. There is so much I owe to this very wonderful woman who I loved and miss. When I grew up and would come home to visit, I would always stop and visit Anna. I loved our conversations on politics and world events. She was always interested in what I was doing. Anna was smart, spoke her mind, intellectually curious, interested in learning new things and above all, warm, loving and welcoming. I can still hear her laugh. She was a great role model and a very good person who gave of herself unselfishly and enriched us all. Rest in peace, Anna.

Anna was a wonderful person, friendly, very sharp and caring, and I enjoyed our interactions over the years. She loved her family, enjoyed being with them, celebrating birth’s, weddings, and holidays together, especially with plenty of good food.

I recall when I first met the family, Harry of course sized me up, but our mutual background in Chemical Engineering helped smooth the way. Anna accepted me because it was Linda’s choice and her decision. Anna always made me feel an integral part of her family, and the time we spent together was enjoyable in NY, NJ and VA - either vacations at the beach or in the Adirondacks, or just relaxing over a family dinner with good company and conversation. She always enjoyed the company of her grandchildren and hearing the latest news about them. She enjoyed being with Emily, including listening to her high school band concerts, and visiting with her when Emily came home from college.

While we didn’t always agree on everything, including politics and how much to cook vegetables (!), our discussions were always interesting and a good learning experience. It was also nice to have her nearby at the Virginian where she enjoyed the activities and made lots of friends. So many who knew Anna over the years were saddened by her passing. While we of course miss her, she is in a better place, she has blessed us with many warm feelings, good memories and pictures to remember her by.

On Sunday we will light a candle for each of those loved ones who have died in the past year. We light these memorials as we call out their names every All Saints' Sunday.

I will light a candle for Anna Hofmann (11/29/1925- 10/29/2019). She was a wonderful member of a small group of faithful worshipers.

A seeker and a scientist, she was always keen to come to adult study and to engage in our discussions with vigor, warmth and humor. She made the coffee and brought refreshments to make people feel welcome and to create time for sharing and caring, learning and laughing. She moved to Virginia in 2012 but I’ve thought of her often over the years. Her laughter was her most prominent feature that I will remember. Thanks be to God for Anna. God bless all who mourn her loss.

Jim O'Hanlon

Pastor

St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Rye Brook NY