Obituary of Eleanor Ruth Hoffman

Eleanor Ruth Hoffman (Lenning), 100, of Tacoma left us to be with the Lord on July 18, 2019.  Eleanor was born in Tacoma, WA to Edith and Arthur Lenning on January 3, 1919.  She married Adam Hoffman in June 27, 1942.  Adam preceded Eleanor’s passing in 1983.  Together the two of them built several homes from the ground up in Tacoma, Lakewood and University Place.  Eleanor is survived by her daughter, Patricia Archambault, son-in-law Thomas DelaCruz (Jean), grandchildren Angela DelaCruz (Terry), Thomas Jacob DelaCruz (Mahea), Melissa DelaCruz, Joseph DelaCruz, Kehaulani Shaurt (Scott), Keone Ke-a, Kaimi Ke-a (Julie), great-grandchildren Noelani, Nehemiah, Kiana, Kira-Ann, Thomas, Kaia, Kalei, Kainoa, Charli, Carter, Madeline and Annabelle.  She shared a close kinship with her sister-in-law Lillian Hoffman Albers (Frank) and all of their children to include Godson Mike.  In addition to all of her immediate family, she shared her life with the entire Hoffman family and all of the nieces and nephews from their families.  Eleanor also had many friends that she considered her family including Mary Lou Youngman and her children Cecile, Julie, Mark and Matt and all of their families, Linda Ohara and Tami Walsh.  

Eleanor grew up in Tacoma and spent her entire life in the area.  She spent many afternoons after school with her beloved grandparents Anna Swanson and August Gustafson. She graduated from Stadium High School in 1937 near the top of her class. She attended business school afterwards and soon after that, joined the workforce.  Eleanor spent many years working for The City of Tacoma, Department of Veterans Affairs and Pierce College, where she retired in 1983.   She eventually returned to work part time at Pierce College for several additional years.  She was an active member of Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Tacoma.   She was a member of Mary Bridge Women’s Orthopedic Guild and worked many hours of volunteering in the gift shop at Mary Bridge as well as other charitable events for the hospital.  She worked the elections for several years as well.  She enjoyed visiting with all the voters.  

Eleanor enjoyed traveling when she had the opportunity.  She and Lillian visited Rome together, she took a couple of cruises and her and Adam took a trip to Mexico together.   And then of course trips to Hawaii were always something she loved.  Eleanor loved her family and friends deeply.  She enjoyed spending time with all of them every chance that she had the opportunity. She was considered the matriarch of her family and will be forever missed by all of those who love her.

Rosary will be held at 10:30 and Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, July 26, 2019 at Visitation.  In lieu of flowers it was Eleanor’s wish that donations be made to Breast Cancer Awareness,  Tacoma Pierce County Humane Society or Visitation Parish.