Gertrude Pearl Hoffses, 92, of Waldoboro, died Jan. 2 at Cove’s Edge in Damariscotta. She was born July 17, 1919 in Inverness, Scotland to Perley and Gertrude Porter Haynes. Gertrude and her family came to the United States when she was an infant. Gertrude and her family lived in many places including Portland, Florida, Boston, New Hampshire and New Orleans. She attended many schools in many places, graduating from Northeast Business School. She married Ralph H. Hoffses at the Rockland Baptist parsonage on Sept. 28, 1940.
She was a homemaker, artist and author. She wrote, “Gatie – a Spiritual Autobiography and Culinary Memories – Keepsakes from the Heart.” She also enjoyed oil painting. She enjoyed sewing, cooking and raising her family. She was a devoted Christian and was very active in the First Baptist Church of Waldoboro. In the church, she sang with the choir, taught Sunday school and was a deaconess for many years.
She was past president of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary. She was a teacher’s assistant at the Friendship Street School in Waldoboro. She enjoyed spending time with her family boating, fishing and traveling to all 50 states. Her favorite time was spending time at the family summer cottage.
She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Ralph H. Hoffses of Waldoboro; sons, Richard Hoffses and partner Paul Howe of Waldoboro, Russell Hoffses and wife Sharon (Heath) Hoffses of Baltimore, Md., and Keith Hoffses of Green Cove Springs, Fla.; daughter, Norma (Hoffses) Dodge and husband Kenneth of Waldoboro; grandchildren, Andrew Dodge, Matthew Dodge, Jody Hoffses, Isaac Hoffses, Amy Hoffses, Laura Hoffses, and Amanda Hoffses; four great-grandchildren; niece, Patty Capozza; and special friend, Donna Collamore who was like a daughter to her.
Visiting hours 6-8 p.m., Fri., Jan. 6 at the Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro. Service to celebrate Gertrude’s life 11 a.m., Sat., Jan. 7 at the First Baptist Church of Waldoboro, 71 Grace Ave., Waldoboro. A reception will follow at the church. Burial will follow at the Sweetland Cemetery in Waldoboro.
Should friends desire, contributions in Gertrude’s memory may be made to Waldoboro Food Pantry, P.O. Box 354, Waldoboro, ME 04572.
You are invited to share your condolences, memories and photos with the family by visiting their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Waldoboro.
