Donna C. Hoffman

Donna Coy Hoffman gracefully passed away June 3, 2013 at University Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, after a courageous, six-month struggle with cancer and with Don, her husband of 52 years, soul mate, best friend, and high school sweetheart, and her family at her side. Born in 1940, in Cincinnati, OH, Donna's life-long dedication to family, faith, teaching, arts, and service touched so many throughout Cincinnati and around the world. A 1961 graduate of Miami University with a Bachelor of Science in Education, she began her teaching career in the Oak Hills School District. Taking time to have two children and move the family, when Don's job took them to New Jersey in 1971, Donna continued sharing her teaching gifts, working with the Berkley Heights School System as a tutor and substitute. When the opportunity came in 1978 to return to Cincinnati, Donna declared, with characteristic wit, that while she would miss summer vacations on the Jersey shore and winter ski trips to the Poconos, she would not return unless she could continue her subscription to the Sunday New York Times! To Donna, the Sunday crossword puzzle was a must; a traditon she continued throughout her life. Upon her return to the Cincinnati area, she established Finneytown's special education program at the secondary level, received a Masters in Education from Xavier University in 1989, and served on several state-level special education boards until her retirement in 2000. After a brief hiatus to build her dream house and travel with Don and her family to destinations across Europe, Donna returned to teaching; joining International Language Plus, where she worked with international executives studying here to improve their command of English and American business customs. Donna was generous in opening her home to many of these international executives, and along with numerous visitors through the International Visitors Center, Donna created an extended family that spans South America, Europe, and Asia. Donna's love of music began as a child taking piano lessons at the College Conservatory, that led to a life-long devotion to the Cincinnati Opera, where she and Don provided support to numerous artists and productions. In fact, their first date was to attend a performance of LaBoheme at the Cincinnati Zoo. Donna and Don were recognized for all their support for the Opera in 2008. A mainstay of Donna's life was her faith and dedication to her church family. As elder, deacon and trustee in the Presbyterian Church of Wyoming, Donna served faithfully, holding most leadership positions, often more than once. One of her lasting contributions was her work as co-chair of the Share The Vision campaign that raised money for a significant expansion to the church for worship, education, and children's programs. More recently, Donna devoted her considerable talent and energy to the good works of the Cincinnati Woman's Club, including serving as first Vice-President of the Executive Board, and chair of the Lecture and Enrichment committee. Left to celebrate Donna's life and love is her devoted and loving famly, including her husband and best friend, Don; two children, David Hoffman (Renee) and Susan Osha (Thomas); and five grandchildren, Justin, Daniel and Dylan Hoffman; Zach and Peyton Osha. She was preceded in death by her parents Don & Dorothy (nee Roessler) Coy. Special to Donna were Koji Hiroshima, who came into their lives as a high school exchange student and later college student and who visits regularly with his wife, Noriko and their children Rei and Rina; and Norman Garrett, a singer, currently with Washington National Opera, whom they first met and championed as a student with CCM. Committal will be held privately in the Memorial Mausoleum of Spring Grove Cemetery. Friends are invited to join the family for a memorial service to celebrate the life of Donna, Sat., June 15, 11 AM at the Presbyterian Church of Wyoming, 225 Wyoming Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45215. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider honoring Donna with a donation to the Scholarship Fund at Cincinnati Woman's Club ( www.cincinnatiwomansclub.com ), Cincinnati Opera Endowment Fund ( www.cincinnatiopera.org ), Finneytown Education Foundation ( www.finneytownpride.org),or the Presbyterian Church of Wyoming ( www.pcwyoming.org ).