Gloria W. Hoffman, a resident of Hyde Park in Easton, passed away on Monday, November 4, 2013 at Easton Memorial Hospital where she was undergoing treatment for a long term illness. She was born on August 30, 1925, in Central Falls, Rhode Island and was the second of 5 children born to Charles Magill and Dorothy Walker Magill. In 1944 Gloria married Edward Estrella of Warren, Rhode Island but was widowed in 1949. She married Fred George Hoffman of Cuba, New York in 1954. After several moves associated with his work they finally settled in Endicott, New York. Like many others of her generation Gloria was born in a time when there wasn’t any excess of anything but poverty for most of the people. Her early years shaped the rest of her time on earth and formed within her habits that, at times, seemed funny. She learned at a very early age not to expect too much from life unless you were willing to put a great deal of effort into it. She liked keeping her life simple and free of controversy, choosing to focus on being a hard worker and a loving wife and caring mother. Gloria spent much of her life associated with the hospitality industry. She loved being a waitress and was at home in small diners as well as in large hotel banquet halls. While raising her three sons she still found time to use her talents by taking staff positions at their school cafeterias. Even after retiring she continued to work at Meals on Wheels of Endicott and the local VFW in Easton where she served meals as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary. Gloria and her husband enjoyed traveling in their RV for a number of years. Even taking short weekend trips brought joy to them both and they loved to jump in the RV and head south in the winter to visit friends. Gloria also loved needlepoint and crocheting, using these talents to provide unique gifts for her family and close friends. Bowling for her was a passion for many years. She loved league bowling and took part in league bowling twice a week at the local lanes in Easton. Towards the end of her life she fought a hard fight but eventually lost to a stronger opponent. Gloria’s younger sister Betty Rebold of Silverdale, WA and her three sons survive her. Her youngest son Kirk Hoffman and his wife Pam and family live in Burlington, Conn. Her son Barry Hoffman and his wife Ann and family live in Huntsville, Ala. Her eldest son Michael Estrella and friend Donna Hunt reside in St. Michaels, Md. Nine grand children, thirteen great grand children and one great great grandson as well as five nieces and nephews also survive her.
She will be joining her husband Fred in their final resting-place at Riverhurst Cemetery in Endicott, New York. On Saturday, November 9th, at 9:30 a.m. an informal gathering will take place at Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, NY followed at 10:30 by a cemetery service at Riverhurst Cemetery. After the ceremony family and friends are invited to gather at one of Gloria’s favorite restaurants, Tony’s Italian Grille, located directly across from Riverhurst. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made to your local humane society in her name.