Obituaries

Judith ‘Judy’ Florence Hoffman

February 19, 1944 - February 10, 2023

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Obituary For Judith ‘Judy’ Florence Hoffman

Madison- Judith ‘Judy’ Florence Hoffman passed away on Friday, February 10, just 9 days before her 79th birthday, with her loving family by her side. She was born February 19, 1944, to Phillip and Kathleen (Wieck) Carraher in Chicago, IL. She married Tom Hoffman on October 15, 1966, and raised their 3 children in Verona, WI.

Judy was raised in a big, loving Catholic family in Iowa and, later, Wisconsin. They lived a humble life but were always surrounded by love. Judy was the 4th child born out of 12, yet she considered herself one of the ‘young ones’ most of the time. Some of her most treasured times were spent with this big family whenever they found an excuse to be together.

Judy went to nursing school and spent over 40 years as an RN at St. Mary’s hospital and later doing home health care.

The greatest joy in Judy’s life was her family, especially her 8 grandchildren. She rarely missed a sporting event, choir concert, dance recital or theater performance. And every child felt like their event was the most important thing in her life. She became ‘Grandma Judy’ to many of the kids in the community. She had endless patience and love for her grandchildren, and they loved her every bit as much as she loved them.

A close 2nd to family was her love of the Badgers and the Packers. Every time there was a touchdown or a victory, she would proudly go to her deck and ring her dinner bell, loud and proud, for the whole neighborhood to hear. Her bell ringing was well-known and will be notably missed in her neighborhood.

Judy is survived by her children: Brad (Melissa) Hoffman, Shawn (Bill) Zimmerman, Greg Hoffman; grandchildren: Thomas and Avery Hoffman, Steven (Laura) Zimmerman, Kevin (Naomi) Zimmerman, Ali Zimmerman, Grace, Lily and Thomas Hoffman, 7 sisters and 2 brothers, her late husband Tom’s wonderful family and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and her beloved siblings Jerry and Jan.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, February 17, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1905 W Beltline Highway Madison. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 pm on Thursday, Feb 16, 2023, at Ryan Funeral Home, 220 Enterprise Drive, Verona WI and again at the church on Friday from 10:00 am until the time of mass.

Interment will be held at St. Andrews in Verona followed by a luncheon at the St. Andrew’s parish center.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be collected to create and stock a ‘Little Library’ in the corner of Judy’s yard to reflect her love of books and reading and to promote literacy in children.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services Verona Chapel 220 Enterprise Drive 608-845-6625

Services

16 Feb

Visitation

04:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Ryan Funeral Homes – Verona 220 S. Enterprise Drive Verona, WI 53593 Get Directions »
17 Feb

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

St. Joseph Catholic Church 1905 W Beltline Hwy Madison, WI 53713 Get Directions »
17 Feb

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

St. Joseph Catholic Church 1905 W Beltline Hwy Madison, WI 53713 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • February 20, 2023

    Growing up next door, the Hoffman house was a home away from home during my childhood. Mrs.Hoffman always greeted me with a smile and a warm hug, the house often smelling of freshly baked cookies. In adulthood, I was lucky enough to reconnect with Shawn. We enjoyed a meal with Judy; it felt as if not a day had passed in 30+ years. All those memories of her warmth and kindness returned. My sincerest sympathy to the entire Hoffman family. Your mom was the ultimate mom; thank you all for sharing her. Forever grateful, Anne Kjaldgaard (Mader)

  • February 15, 2023

    Such a wonderful lady - so hard to hear of her passing. I enjoyed luncheon with her and the old VNS gang for many years. She was such a positive force! The last memory is her showing us how to tie a scarf around one's neck attractively. She will be always remembered.

  • February 15, 2023

    I was Judy's hairdresser for many years, until my retirement in 2015. She always brought with her such spunk and thoughtful, meaningful conversation! I learned a great deal from her over the years and enjoyed hearing the tales of her childhood and the new happenings with her children and grandchildren, of whom she was enormously proud. She absolutely brought much joy to my life and will be missed by all who knew her. My most sincere condolences to her family in their time of loss. Lauren Winchester Beloit, WI

  • February 14, 2023

  • February 14, 2023

    A fellow Lost Nation girl and a boy from Chicago meet in Madison. A special couple (Tom and Judy) encourage the couple through their friendship and love of sailing. Eternal rest grant unto Judy. God bless the family. Your parents were a very special couple. Bruce and Marsha England (married 48+years)

  • February 13, 2023

    Judy was a warm & loving classmate at St. Mary's School of Nursing—her smile would brighten our day😉❤️

  • February 13, 2023

    I belonged to a dinner group with Judy. We met once a month at each other's homes for a lot of years. She was funny, classy, interesting and interested in all of our lives. She spoke lovingly about her children, brothers, sisters, in-laws, and was smitten with her grandchildren. She was a wonderful hostess and made the best "old-timey" Jello salads, which we all grew up on. When I lost my husband 20 years ago, she wrote one of the most meaningful sympathy cards I received, since she, too, had survived a sudden loss like I did. She gave me advice from her experience. I still have the card. She was a good, thoughtful, kind friend who would send an email to compliment a person on something nice they had done or said. She will be missed.

Tributes

  • Living Spirit Dishgarden

    Living Spirit Dishgarden was sent for Judith ‘Judy’ Florence Hoffman - February 16, 2023

  • The Peace Lily

    The Peace Lily was sent for Judith ‘Judy’ Florence Hoffman - February 15, 2023

  • Sweet Moments

    Sweet Moments was sent for Judith ‘Judy’ Florence Hoffman - February 13, 2023

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Tiffany Foster went out of her way to fulfill all my requests, talked me through problems I was facing, and tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible when I was a wreck, totally crushed, and I thank her with all of my heart for that.

James S. | July 2020

The professional manner of the staff made a difficult time a little easier.

Lynda R. | July 2020

Services provided for both parents were perfect, on time, and no issues. Brenda is awesome and strong!

Michael M. | July 2020

Skyler was absolutely amazing. She was so caring and helpful through this whole process. She even went above and beyond to meet with us in DeForest and even to make a stop at our home to drop off or pick up anything needed. While it was a small gesture, it was so helpful and greatly appreciated.

Brooke S. | Dec. 2020

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