Karen Ann Hoftey

Kind, generous, loving, encouraging, and strong; these are only a few words that describe our mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Karen Ann Hoftey (Gojkovich) was born on March 21, 1952, to Dorthy and Robert Gojkovich in Gary, Indiana, and passed on November 4, 2023, in her beloved city of Chicago, IL.

Karen was a loving mother to Chandra Madafferi (Joseph), Gillian Ryan (Matthew), Ann Marie Hoftey-Woodard (Joshua), and Charles Hoftey Jr. She was an attentive listener to her children, and gave them all she could, teaching them to always see the best in people, and to try to find joy in every situation. As much as she cherished being a mother, she also very much enjoyed being an involved grandmother to Anthony (16) and Mia (14) Madafferi, and William Ryan (11), for whom she attended many sporting events as the best cheerleader and smuggler of sugary treats. In addition, she leaves behind her two beloved siblings Paul Gojkovich (Mary), and Robert Gojkovich Jr. (Tina), as well as her nieces and nephews whom she also loved Paul, Matt, and Katie.

Karen was a devoted Christian, strong in her faith, and developed many friendships over the years with people she loved and considered family. From daily worship and prayer calls, Karen always was there supporting those in need, and never complained as she instinctively put others' needs above her own. After years as an devoted stay-at-home mother, she worked positions in a variety of professions, including a bank executive and a life insurance broker. However, the job Karen loved the most was her work in the Women’s Clinic at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago, IL, where she brought joy daily to everyone who worked with her. In 2018, she was given the Star of the Month Award, given to the most outstanding employee in the hospital, where she was honored for her amazing customer service and care to each woman she worked with.

Karen bravely fought a cancer diagnosis for 6 years, smiling and encouraging those around her, even as she herself was weary. Even in her last days, she said “I’m ok” continuously with a smile as the love and joy beamed from her eyes. Now in heaven, she will be joining her parents, as well as her older brother Nichola, who she will be meeting for the first time. We do not know how we will live without her, but find some solace knowing that she will no longer be in pain, and will be truly at peace.

A visitation for Karen will start at 9:30am Friday, November 10, 2023 at Drake & Son Funeral Home, 5303 North Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM.

A graveside service will occur Friday, November 10, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Calumet Park Cemetery, 2305 W 73rd Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410.

If interested in making a donation in honor of Karen and her love for people, please do so at the Swedish Hospital Foundation - Women's Health. Karen worked here for 7 years loving every day and everyone involved. The Women’s Health Initiative is committed to providing every woman in our community with high-quality, personalized medical and wellness services in the Jack & Mayora Rosenberg Women’s Health Center.

DONATIONS: If interested in making a donation in honor of Karen and her love for people, please do so HERE (https://www.swedishhospitalfoundation.org/womens-health) at the Swedish Hospital Foundation - Women's Health. Karen worked here for 7 years loving every day and everyone involved. The Women’s Health Initiative is committed to providing every woman in our community with high-quality, personalized medical and wellness services in the Jack & Mayora Rosenberg Women’s Health Center.