Helen I. Hoffman – Loving Mother and Grandmother – age 85, a lifelong resident of McKean, died Thursday, February 28, 2013 at Forestview Health Care Center where she had resided the past five years. Born in Erie on September 19, 1927, she was one of eleven children of the late Oliver and Anna Price Kerstetter. She married Raymond J. Hoffman on January 12, 1957 and he survives.
Helen spent many years as a cashier at Loblaws in Erie, and also as a cashier and cook at the Green Shingle Restaurant. She was a devoted wife who loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, and she enjoyed gardening and her fine collection of plates displayed in her home. She was a longtime member of the St. Francis Ushers Club.
Preceding her in death were six brothers– James, Samuel, Robert, Donald, John, and Lyle Kerstetter; two sisters– Margaret Eller and Mary Kerstetter; and a grandson, Jason McKissick.
Helen is survived by her husband of 56 years, Ray Hoffman; six children– Lynn Hoffman of Wisconsin, Leanne Becker (Russ) of Wattsburg, Frances King (John) of Cranesville, Ellen King (James) of Virginia, Tom Hoffman (Chris) of Erie, and Melissa Hoffman (Jim) of Millcreek; many grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; two sisters– Margie Churchill of Edinboro and Mariam Meeker of McKean; a sister-in-law, Winifred Kerstetter of McKean; and many nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home, 306 Erie Street, Edinboro on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will take place there Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. officiated by Rev. Fr. Mark Nowak of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery.
Dear Uncle Ray & family,
I wanted to send my deepest sympathy to all of you on the passing of Aunt Helen. I am sorry I could not be there but work schedules didn’t permit it. My prayers go out to all of you at this difficult time.
Love, Sandy, Ron, Kelly & Darren Glotz (Kerstetter)
Dear Uncle Ray and family,
I just wanted to express my condolences on the passing of Aunt Helen. She was always so good to me – coming to my high school graduation and especially for coming all the way to Harrisburg for my wedding so many years ago. I remember many fun times at your house, racing around like wild beasts in your yard and down into the creek. We always went home filthy but happy. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Love, Alice Kerstetter Vilk
Our thoughts and condolences are with you and your family during this time of your loss. Please feel free to reach out if there is anything we can do for you or your family.
Keith and Heather Reisenweber and family
Dear Ray and children,
My deepest sympathy to all of you on the passing of Helen. She was a wonderful person and I cherished her friendship for all the years that I knew her. We enjoyed many wonderful family times together and I will miss her.
I’m so sorry I will not be able to attend the viewing or funeral since I am in Newport with Alice, Frank, granddaughters and great-grandson. Please accept my deepest condolences and I will visit her at Saint Francis cemetery when I get back home. I will be thinking of and praying for all of you during this difficult time.
Love, Winnie/Aunt Winnie
Uncle Ray, Lynn, Leanne, Frances, Ellen, Tom, Melissa and family.
Im so sorry about the passing of Aunt Helen