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.

Hoffman, Helen I.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.