Mrs. Hildegard Hoffman

Hildegard “Hilde” Hoffman, 91, a model of tolerance and caring has passed away. Hilde Cohn Hoffman was born on March 17, 1920 in Leipzig, Germany. In 1938, after caring for children of the Kindertransport, she fled Nazi Germany for England. There she became a governess and a registered nurse. In 1943, she married Fred Hoffman and, in 1945, joined him in Asheville, North Carolina. During her 50 years in Asheville, Hilde was always involved in community activities (Temple Beth HaTephila, Asheville Jewish Community Center, Hadassah and Young Judaea, Religious School, PTA, Brownie and Girl Scouts, Harvest House and many, many others.) She was a loving wife to Fred and a loving mother to her daughters, Jackie and Toni. Her home was an open house where all were welcome. Hilde opened the Asheville Jewish Community Center Preschool, where she taught and served as its director for 16 years. As a tribute to Hilde’s enduring influence on generations of Asheville’s children, the community opened “HILDE’S HOUSE” daycare center in her honor. In 1995, Hilde and Fred moved to Atlanta, Georgia to be near family. After Fred’s death, Hilde stayed on at the Atlanta Jewish Tower for seven years and remained a vital part of community activities. Besides being a busy grandmother and traveling to family in Israel, Hilde tutored children in the literacy action program. She was also an inspiring and frequent lecturer at the Atlanta Holocaust Museum, where she taught the values of tolerance, kindness and respecting each others differences. In 2002, she moved to Atria Assisted Living in Forest Hills, New York to be near her daughter, Toni. She continued to spread good cheer, a positive attitude, caring and kindness in her natural, modest way. Throughout her life, Hilde went out of her way to help others. Hilde died on May 18, 2011 in New York City at the age of 91 and was buried in Asheville, North Carolina, the mountain community she so loved. She leaves two daughters, Toni Scofield, of Jackson Heights, NY; Jackie Lowenstein, of Jerusalem, Israel; grandchildren, Chani Abramson, Rabbi Avi Lowenstein, Yisrael Lowenstein, and Michal Julian; and twelve great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Temple Beth HaTephila Religious School, Asheville, NC; HILDE’S HOUSE, Asheville, NC; or The Asheville Jewish Community Center. May her memory be blessed. Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent through the website www.morrisfamilyfuneralhome.com.

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Mrs. Hildegard Hoffman

March 17, 1920 - May 18, 2011