Hoffman, Elaine
Providence
Hoffman, Elaine, 97, died Friday, November 15, 2024, at Providence, RI. She was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Melvin Hoffman. Born in Chelsea, MA, on June 4, 1927, Elaine moved to Providence before her first birthday. Daughter of the late Irving S. and Etta (Cohen) Chandler, Elaine lost her mother at the age of 11, after which she took care of the house for her father and two older brothers, and later her two half-sisters when her father remarried. After completing Hope High School in Providence and a secretarial course, she took an office job. In 1945, she was introduced to Melvin Hoffman, who had been shot in Iwo Jima and was recovering at Newport Naval Hospital. Elaine married Melvin on July 4, 1948, after which he completed his medical training, first at Hahnemann Medical School in Philadelphia and then at the Rhode Island hospital. They lived in Cranston for several years, building a family with three children: Eric (born 1951), Phyllis (1954), and Andrew (1956). The family relocated to the East Side of Providence in 1960.
For over 40 years, Elaine oversaw the recording and distribution of books for the blind, the Talking Books program run through Temple Beth El. A dedicated homemaker, Elaine belonged to several women’s groups: the JHA Women’s Association, Temple Beth-El’s Sisterhood, Hadassah, and served as an officer with the Jewish Council of Women, B’nai B’rith and the Miriam Hospital Women’s Association. As the children grew, Elaine completed her college degree and worked for a series of psychiatrists and psychologists conducting research. She traveled extensively, especially after her husband’s accidental death in 1984, going on trips to Europe, Asia, and across the USA. This experience led her to become a travel agent. In 2006, she moved to Laurelmead, an independent living community on Blackstone Blvd. in Providence, where she served on many committees and later became the resident canasta teacher.
Frequently surrounded by family, Elaine kept in close contact with her siblings, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren. In her last days, she was attended by Eric Hoffman of Bala Cynwyd, PA, Phyllis Hoffman of El Cerrito, CA, and Andrew Hoffman of Brookline, MA, and their partners JoAnne Fischer, Charlotte McCaffrey, and Deborah Leipziger respectively, as well as former daughter in law, Judy Hoffman. She is also survived by her sister Nada G. Chandler of Fairfax, VA, and grandchildren Sage Hoffman (and Andrea Hoffman), Cory Fischer Hoffman (and Eli Stogsdill), Mikaela Baumann (and Ema Baumann), Marcus Hoffman (and Rob Fischer), and Alicia Hoffman (and Kelly Farrell). She has three great grandchildren, Sienna (7) and Arden (5), of Houston, TX, and Indigo (7), of Bethlehem, PA.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 21st at 11:00 am in Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave, Providence, RI 02906.
To view the pre-recorded service, please click here.
Shiva will be observed in several locations: Laurelmead, 355 Blackstone Blvd, Providence, RI, 3 pm – 5 pm on November 22, 2024; 131 Cynwyd Rd, Bala Cynwyd, PA, Monday, November 25, 2024, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.; and 175 Rawson Rd., Brookline, MA, 7-9 pm on November 25, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to LEEF (the Laurelmead Employee Education Fund, 355 Blackstone Blvd, Providence, RI 02906) and the Temple Beth El Sisterhood (70 Orchard Ave., Providence, RI 02906).
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Shalom Memorial Chapel
1100 New London Ave
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 463-7771
(877) 463-7771
Fax: (401) 463-7850
ShalomChapel@aol.com
Bob and I send our deepest condolences for your loss. All I can think about is Elaine, Mel, my mom (Janice Arnoff and my dad Larry) all having a party in heaven. They enjoyed each other’s company back in the day. Sympathies and hugs to the family.
Andy
We are sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. We was a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ellen and Rebecca Gourse
I knew Elaine through Laurel mead for almost 4 years. She was a wonderful, funny woman with a zest for life. She will truly be missed.
We are so sorry to learn of your loss. She sounds like she had an amazing life and in her charitable pursuits, she very much reminds me of my own mother. We wish we could join you for Shiva, but I will be in PV and Dick will be heading to Chicago to spend Thanksgiving with his family. Hope we can get together soon. We send our love and condolences to all of you.
So sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. My sympathies to you and your family,
Allyson
Sending love.
Elaine was an amazing woman. We have had the pleasure of sharing good times and making memories with Elaine through our loving relationship with our Camac Street family while living in Philaddelphia. We’ll make sure we take some time to remember her on November 22nd during Shiva with Eric and Joanne in Bala Cynwyd.
I am so sorry tp hear of your Mom’s passing. I have many fond memories of our time together when we were younger. Sending prayers for peace and comfort. Carolynn Van Leuven Gifford
Your mom sounds like she was really something! I love that she finished college later. I wish that you are comforted by your great memories. So sorry.
Roberta
Sending our deepest condolences for the loss of your
beautiful, gifted, gracious, generous, talented, resilient,
loving, caring, and intelligent mother, grandmother,
great grandmother and as a wife.
Holding you all with love and light.
May her memory be for a blessing.
With love,
Cindy and Mark
I love seeing the sparkle in her eyes and her radiant smile. What a wonderful human being. I’m grateful for her love for you and her family, and now, I’m sending you and your family big love. May Elaine’s memory bring you happiness and blessings. Love, Irene – and love from Randy, too.
Sending prayers and Hugs
Rest with G-d sweet Auntie, you were one tough cookie. My condolences to the Hoffman tribe.
Thank you for making it possible for us to be present at Elaine’s funeral. It was wonderful to hear about the “safety and care” Elaine provided. Especially as a widowed mother with three young children. I loved the image Phyllis shared of watching the squirrels from Elaine’s kitchen window. Elaine was loved by her family and her community. A comfort to all who survive her.