Merrilyn Vaughn-Hoffman

Merrilyn Vaughn-Hoffman (Cigard), beloved wife, mother and grandmother, died on February 5, 2024. Merrilyn was born February 26, 1937, in Lansing, Michigan, the only child of Louise and J. Herbert Cigard, who predeceased her, along with a baby brother, John Robert. She graduated from Sexton High School in 1954 and attended Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo, MI for three years where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa her junior year. She transferred to Michigan State University for her senior year, graduating in 1958 with a degree in history and languages.

In March of 1958, she married Thomas Holley Vaughn, her high school sweetheart. Tom’s death in 1966 was a life-changing event for her. Before the age of 30 she was left with their two children, Stephen Thomas and Karen Michelle. Merrilyn was a very active in the community, holding many offices in the organizations to which belonged: The American Association of University Women, Spartan Alumnae of MSU, Kalamazoo College Alumni Association, Lansing Women’s Symphony Association, The University Club, Sparrow Hospital Junior Division and Service Auxiliary, The Peoples Church of East Lansing where she served as the first female Clerk of the Church as well as two terms on the Board of Elders, Coordinator of Volunteers for the East Lansing School System for four years, Capital Area Women’s Network, Great Books of the Western World. Professional, she was the administrative assistant to the Special Counsel of Governor G. Mennen Williams, secretary for the Democratic State Central Committee, owner of Expert Editing and Typing for over 25 years, State of Michigan (Bureau of State Lottery and the Department of Information and Technology where she was a software administrator in the Telecommunications division) and as the Search and Call Coordinator for the United Church of Christ, Michigan Conference. In 1999, Merrilyn married her long-time friend, Steward B. Hoffman, Jr., who passed into Eternal Life six months later. Merrilyn loved Siamese Cats, bright colors, funky and fun jewelry and purses, the theatre, gin martinis, reading (especially Murakami), classical music, limes and almonds. Merrilyn was a positive influence on all her children’s and grandchildren’s lives. They gave her the greatest pleasure.

Surviving are her two children Steve Thomas Vaughn (Robin) of Williamston and Karen Michelle Vaughn (Michael Ouding) of Kalamazoo. Also surviving are her precious grandchildren, Taylor Nicole, Thomas Joseph Vaughn, Jane Louise, and Frederick Davis Ouding.

In accordance with Merrilyn’s wishes, cremation has taken place. The memorial service will be held at People’s Church on March 1, 2024, at 1:00 pm. Memorial contributions in Merrilyn’s name may be made to Kalamazoo College.