Mary Young-Hee Hoffman

Mary died peacefully on Friday, November 29, 2024 after battling Type 2 Diabetes and Congestive Heart Failure. Born in Daegu, Korea (now South Korea) in March 1935, she was one of the last few generations to grow up when Korea was one nation. She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Professor Vincent J. Hoffman (하빈체) of Jackson, Michigan (1926 -2011), her parents, Jung Sul Jun (전장술) and Kang Ja Park (박강자), and a 2 year old brother (name unknown). Her remaining family includes daughter, Mary Elizabeth Hoffman, nickname Eli, (하체희) age 52, brother, Young Chul Sung (성영철) age 76, sisters, Young Ok Sung (성영옥/Theresa) age 73, and Young Sul Sung (성영숙) age 71.

From birth, Mary was a rare person. Her parents married for love in a culture of arranged marriages. Her parents were educators in Japan. Mary remained in Korea raised by her grandparents, her mother’s sister and her husband. For the best education, she attended a Catholic kindergarten program that significantly impacted her life choices. Before age 10, her parents and brother died and any family records about them were destroyed. She was labeled an orphan. She joined the convent, “Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” at age 16 because of her kindergarten experience accomplished what many people do not consider nor attempt to achieve. Her new name was Sister Gertrude and was assigned to assist Maryknoll missionary priest, Fr. Vince Hoffman against his wishes. However, together, they cared for the vulnerable sick with tuberculosis, isolated lepers, orphans, and the elderly. Farmers had electricity for the first time. They worked with the former first lady of South Korea and mother of the country’s first woman president, Young Soo Yuk (육영수) on education policy. Most notably, because of Sr. Gertrude’s diligence, South Korean nuns are college educated. Today, Fr. Hoffman & Sr. Gertrude’s efforts in the 1960s haven’t been forgotten. A credit union, orphanage, hospital, elderly home and three Catholic parishes are still in operation reflecting how much people can contribute to improve the well-being of others. She was selected mother general of her order when she left the convent for the United States at age 34. At age 35 she wed Vince Hoffman in 1971 and had their only child. She studied nursing, recording class lectures to review with Vince because of her limited English. She was a labor and delivery nurse caring for level 3 babies for 35 years at St. Lawrence Hospital. Her favorite patients, however, were her husband and daughter. Mary empowered Eli and her insights helped define how Eli viewed and pursued her life. Mary’s resilience and determination was THE way to live no matter the circumstances. She was petite and usually soft spoken, but she had a fire in her belly and would verbally shoot straight from the hip when needed. She could laugh at herself with her loud jovial laugh such as when she made grammatical errors like saying “chicken” when she meant “kitchen”. Her American nephews and nieces love kimchi and ramen noodles, and have rice cookers because of her influence. Even though she lived in the U.S. the bonds with her siblings and their families intensified over the years. They and their children have visited and studied in the US. Her sister, Theresa, has visited to care for Mary and Eli when deathly ill.

One particular individual made a significant impact on Mary’s & Eli’s life when plowing through the worst of times. Mr. Derek Estrada, who Eli met soon after her father’s death, cared and provided support to both Mary and Eli following Eli’s stroke, 2 surgeries, and chemotherapy. He remained throughout Mary’s battle with congestive heart failure, including the doctor visits, numerous falls, kimchi and whopper runs, holding her in his arms so she could sit, escorting her to the bathroom, and wheeling her through the dog park with Gracie, Noah, and Eli in tow. His investment in Mary when she was so vulnerable created a bond so incredible to watch develop. He bravely stayed with her until her last breath with a broken heart he couldn't heal. It is impossible to articulate the level of gratitude Mary had for him.

Mary patiently waited for 13 years to reunite with Vince yet she lived as long as she could to support Eli through her medical battles. Through it all her faith in God was the foundation of her ability to face intimidating fears, coping with great loss during war, serving the needy, and then painfully going through the physical transition from life to death. Her relationship with God was unbending and is now solidified.

Mary changed lives as God expects and asks of us all. She did it very well. It is a relief to know that she is free and can rest in paradise after living a full life with such purpose.

Thank you, Mom, for the honor of being your daughter and allowing me the gift to escort you out of this chapter of your life and into the next.

잘나…..사랑해요,

-체희

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am Saturday, December 14, 2024 at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, 955 Alton Rd, East Lansing with visitation from 10:00 am until the time of Mass. The Rite of Committal will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 8:00 pm Friday, December 13 at Gorsline Runciman East Chapel, 1730 E. Grand River Ave, East Lansing, with the Rosary prayed at 7:30 pm.