Margery Hoffman, a beloved wife to Dale C. Hoffman, nurse, educator, and athlete, passed away on May 13, 2024, at the age of 94 in Greenwood, SC. Margery was born in Kenmore, NY (out-side of Buffalo, NY) on October 7, 1929 to the late Arthur and Helen Tabor Hood, and grew up to lead a life full of adventure, love, and service to others.
She and her siblings spent summers in Fort Erie, Ontario Canada on the Niagara Rivers. Margery pursued a nursing career attending Bucknell University for two years and graduated from Frances Paine Bolton School of Nursing (part of Case-Western Reserve University) with a BS in Nursing, in 1952. She met Dale through a classmate, who set them up on a blind date in January of 1952 and they were married in November of 1952. Together, they lived in Cleveland, Ohio, until Dale completed his BS degree from Fenn College (now known as Cleveland State University), after which they moved to Columbus, Ohio. During their first five years of marriage, she worked as a Public Health Nurse and had their three children, Karen, Don, and Sandra. She then returned to work as a school Nurse in Upper Arlington, Ohio.
Several years later, Marge attended The Ohio State University and earned a master's degree in health education. So, along with the Nursing background she began teaching Health Education in Upper Arlington and later in the Worthington, Ohio school system.
Retirement in 1985 brought them to Keowee Key, South Carolina (God's Country), where they lived and thrived. Even after retiring, Margery remained active and engaged in life holding part time positions at Lila Doyle (Nursing and Rehabilitation Center) and then Hospice. She discovered a passion for competitive running at the age of 50. She accumulated eighteen South Carolina Age Group records plus being inducted into the South Carolina Road Runners Club of America "Hall of Fame". She was also named S.C. Masters Runner of the years of 1999, 2001, and 2002 as well as qualifying and competing in multiple Senior Olympics, earning gold and silver medals. All four of her grandsons were at the Orlando, Florida event to cheer her on. A very special moment that she always treasured.
Margery also found joy in music, singing with various groups like the Vaud Villities, Keowee Key Coraliers, and participating in Wesley Commons productions. Her love for volunteering led her to serving different organizations including, the American Cancer Society, Hospice of the Foothills, Guardian Ad Litem, Senior Solutions, Keowee Cares, Keowee Koaliers, St. Mark UMC Choir, Steven Minister, and a Sunday school teacher.
Known as the "Runner/Walker" at Wesley Commons, Margery's positive can-do attitude, infectious smile, and unwavering spirit inspired all those around her. She was an adventurer at heart, traveling extensively with Dale, traversing the Grand Canyon with her son, Don and even doing a Tandem Skydive jump with her daughters, Karen and Sandy at the age of 72.
Margery Hoffman will be remembered for her zest for life, her dedication to helping others, and her ability to bring joy wherever she went. She leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness that will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.
In addition to her husband, Dale she is survived by her daughters, Karen Linhart (Les) and Sandy Frankum (Doug); son, Don Hoffman; grandchildren, Kyle Linhart (Jenna), Casey Linhart (Amy), Cody Frankum (Kasye), and Travis Frankum; and great grandchildren, Gracie Frankum, Ziva Linhart, and two more expected.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister and brother-in-law, Janet and Everett Fitts and brothers and sisters-in-law, Rodney and Carolyn Hood and twin Malcom and Ruth Hood.
A memorial service will be held at Wesley Commons in Asbury Hall, Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 11am.