Passed at Alexandra & Marine General Hospital, Goderich on July 24, 2020 at the age of 59. Barb was blessed to be loved and cherished for 10 years by her partner for life and best friend Rich Oosterbosch. Treasured, missed and loved by her only daughter Alexis. Barbara’s daily phone calls will be deeply missed by her. Beloved daughter of Irene Hoffman of Zurich. Reunited with her father Leo Hoffman (2013) and her younger brother Dennis (1978). Barb is survived by two siblings Di and Rob. Adored grandmother of 2 and a great-grandmother to 1.
Barb fearlessly accepted and fought a very aggressive incurable cancer. That short fight displayed her gifts of humor, gratitude and the most positive determined outlook throughout the most debilitating pain.
The family would like to convey their most sincere appreciation to some very special angels on earth who helped them endure her courageous fight.
Sheri Penn, a guiding light of knowledge and love. Barbara was so grateful for your gift that helped her and all the family to ease the pain and give comfort. Tina Wilds, a blessing to us all. Loved and cherished like a daughter by Barb. Forever a friend of Alexis. Tina we are so thankful that your loving and caring heart knew without words each time Barb needed you to help us all. Goderich Hospital, AMGH our deep gratitude for the most compassionate and gentle doctors, nurses and all staff. Thanks to the palliative unit and team who gave Barb, our family, and friends the gift of “when comfort becomes the focus of care”. Finally, a thanks to the Haskett team for fulfilling Barbara’s wishes.
Barb will be sadly missed by family and friends including her furry and feathered friends in the backyard and forest.
A celebration of life will be arranged by her loving partner Rich at a later safer date. Family and friends will be notified.
In lieu if flowers donations to the Alexandra & Marine General Hospital, Goderich would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Poems from the family,
“God saw you getting tired
when a cure was not to be.
So He closed his arms
around you and whispered “Come to Me”
Weep not for me though I have gone
Into the gentle night.
Grieve if you will,
But not for long upon my
soul’s sweet flight.
I am at peace,
My soul’s at rest
There is no need for tears
For with your love.
I was so blessed
For all those many years.
There is no pain,
I suffer not
The fear is now all gone
Put now these things out of your thoughts
In your memory, I live on.
Remember not my fight for breath
Remember not the Strife
Please do not dwell upon my death
But celebrate my life.
I love you mom. Alexis
Paul Leung
My condolences to Rich, Alexis and Barb’s family. To Rich, I have been a close friend to Barb a very long time ago. Even though I have not visited Barb for a long time, we stayed in contact the last few years. She is great person and has a very large heart. We will all miss her.
Pam O'Brien Bedour
My deepest condolences to Rick, Irene and the Hoffman family. I’d known Barb from our childhood days in Zurich and I was happy to get reacquainted with her at the dental office in Exeter. Rick, I was struck by your support and the concern you had for her, as well as by the obvious love the two of you shared, along with your deep connection. I’ll remember Barb’s kindness, her genuineness and her sense of humour. She always brought a smile to my face and thinking of her still does.
Sincerely,
Pam O’Brien Bedour
Dennis Denomme
Sorry to hear of Barbs passing, Rich. My deepest condolences to you and to Barbs family
Amber Fehr
Your were a second mother to me barb… I will miss your humor your love and our long talks… you spent alot of days helping me through hard times and always told me you’ll be ok sweetie… .. I’ll talk with u in my dreams. P.s I no that’s u in the butterfly always dinging me in the fore head!!! Love u❤💜💚🧡
Dave & Diane Stephen
Rich,
We are so sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Keep the special times and great memories close to your heart.
Pam Bieman
My thoughts are with her her daughter extended family and her friends.
Sherri Penn
“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others”
Send all of Barb’s family my heartfelt love. Heaven gained another beautiful angel. My sincere sympathy to all of you as you grieve her loss 💙
Love Sherri and Al Penn
Patti Hunt
Our most sincere sympathies.
Jamie and Patti Hunt.
Bryon Harvey
My deepest sympathies to Alexis, Rich and her grandkids. I am so saddened to hear of your loss. I know she’ll be with all her loved ones. She always gave a piece of herself to those she loved. What a special lady. And the biggest loss to all who loved her.
Donna O'Brien
Irene and family, so sorry to read of your sad loss.You are in my special thuoghts !
Jason Bourne
Rich, Irene and family.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Barb’s passing. Too young. My sincere condolences to the family. She’ll be missed.
Francis Denomme
We are very sorry for your loss Irene our thoughts and prayer’s are with you
Francis, Bonnie, and Marylou
Linda & Eugene Webber
Irene and family:
Please accept out condolences on the passing of your daughter
Bernie Esdaile
My deepest condolences to the hoffman family during these difficult times Remeber and celebrate your memories of Barb
Jim Oesch
My deepest condolences to Barbs families
Karen Robichaud
Hi Rich you don;t know me but I was a very good friend of Barb and Alexis /when Alexis was a young girl.I went to stay with Barb and Alexis for a little while and we would stay up late and just talk about whatever was on our minds.We would also enjoy singing and doing Karaoke. Over the years I lost contact with Barb and didn;t know where she was or what happened with Alexis and her baby.I never forgot about Barb and Alexis and seen her again in Exeter when I was home .I moved from Ont.in 2001 and that was pretty much the last I heard anything about either one of them.I am so happy that she found you and that she finally was blessed with the love she was searching for for so long.I;m so sorry for your loss and Alexis and the Family.She will always be loved and missed by everyone that knew her.I will miss her terribly.
Steve Esdaile
Aunt Irene and Alexis our deepest condolences to the loss of your daughter and mother. Hoping you find peace and cherish all the great memories you shared together. Barb and I sympathize with you and all your family.
Joan and Jack Powell
Irene Thinking of you at this difficult time.
kate
Sending my deepest sympathies to all the family at this difficult time.May you find peace in the memories of Barb. Yous are in my thoughts and prayers
Jim Perry
Very sorry to hear that Rich. Also for her family.
Jim Perry
Danny & Karen Masse (Volland)
Our sympathies to you all. Thinking of the Hoffman family at this difficult time.
Kourtney MacDobald-Webster
Alexis & Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. Heaven truly has gained a beautiful angel. Please know you are in my heart and thoughts. May you find peace in memories and strength in the healing time to come.
Kourtney MacDonald-Webster
Tonya Rose
Rich. So sorry for your loss of a great life companion, life partner. She will be truly missed by one and all. If there is anything you need help with, just let me know…….R.I.P Barb.
Marge Schilbe
My deepest sympathy to you and your family, Marge Schilbe.
Doug and Joyce McBeath
Our prayers and sympathy to Irene and family at this time of a sad loss
Paul and Joan Ducharme
So sorry for your loss of Barbara, , Alexis, Rich, Irene and all family members .
Our deepest compassion for all of you in her death.
Louise Jones
Alexis,
I’m sorry to hear the loss of your Mom. I remember her when you lived in Exeter as a sweet friendly person. You played with my daughter Melissa when you we’re just young girls.
My condolences Alexis , losing a Mom is very difficult to take.
Louise Jones
Carolyn Mathonia
Our sympathies to you all
Carolyn Mathonia
Ted and Hilda Lansbergen
So sorry to hear the sad news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Ron and Dianne Ducharme
Dear Irene and Family
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of you Thoughts
and prayers are with you at this very sad time
Marg Deichert
Irene and family, sending my condolences at this difficult time. Treasure your memories of Barb.
Hugs and prayers.
Marg Deichert
Karen Dickins and Bill Heather
Irene, our deepest condolences.
Leanne Restemayer
Our deepest sympathies. Thinking of the family at this difficult time.