We are saddened to announce the passing of Lily Hoffman, 99, of Fairfield, on June 27, 2018 at Aperion Care, Fairfield. Born March 8, 1919, in Salamanca, New York, she was the daughter of two WWII Navy veterans. After high school, Lily moved to Champaign to attend the University of Illinois. There she met her future husband, Carlyle. They were married on April 25, 1944 — a marriage that lasted for 66 years.
Carlyle enlisted in the US Army, and Lily went on to attend graduate school at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, receiving her master’s degree and beginning her 38-year teaching career. The Hoffmans moved to Fairfield in 1950, where Lily taught junior high and grade school classes, until her retirement in 1982. A motivating force for all of her students, Lily continued tutoring after her retirement, on a volunteer basis. She made all of her students feel special.
Beginning with the Terrapin Synchronized Swimming Club at the University of Illinois, Lily continued to enjoy swimming throughout her life. Other interests included family, gardening, cooking, knitting, church, and activities in various local clubs. She even developed an interest, later in life, in painting and drawing. Lily always lived by the Golden Rule. In her memory, please do a loving act of kindness, make someone laugh, send a card, give a hug, or say “1 love you” to a special friend.
Survivors include 3 children, Judi (Bob) Osmond, Steve Hoffman, of Fairfield, and Carol Hoffman (Michael Rowland), of Watertown, TN; 3 grandchildren, Heath McCullough, Wayne City, Mathew Osmond, Chicago, and Kelsey Osmond, Burnsville, MN; and 2 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Fairfield Pubic Library, 300 SE 2nd St. As per Lily’s request, her body has been cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Fairfield.