Lillian H. Hofstetter
Lillian H. Hofstetter, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Aug. 8, 2024, at the age of 92.
Lillian was born at home in Montville Township, to Wasil “Charlie” and Mary (nee Kosar) Sangrik. She was the youngest of four children, all of whom preceded her in death: Mary Zima, John and Joe Sangrik.
Lillian met the love of her life in school, Neil C. Hofstetter. They were married in 1951 and spent 64 loving years together until his death in 2017. Together, they raised their four children, Gary (Kim) Hofstetter, the late Linda Pavelitz (Steve Pavelitz), Nancy (Keith) Fury and Ryan (Theresa) Hofstetter. She was devoted to her children and always made time for them.
She was then blessed with 10 grandchildren, Jonathan (Leigh Ann) Hofstetter, Sarah (Lenny Hetrick) Hofstetter, Elizabeth (Kevin) Johnson, Kasey (Zane) Pavelitz-Smith, Miranda (Travis) Foust, Bethany (Tyler) Chattin, Amanda Hofstetter, Ashley Hofstetter, Kyle (Emma) Hofstetter and Katie (Nathan Young) Hofstetter; and then, with increased blessings, 10 great-grandchildren, Brooks, Everly, Aiden, Catherine, Ava, Ella, Harper, Cora and two angel babies, Evelyn and Elliot.
She loved with all her heart, loved spoiling, and always had some kind of snacks to delight the kids.
A graduate of Chardon High School, in 1949, she worked on her father’s farm until her marriage to Neil in 1951. After starting their family, Lillian began her distinguished career as a Chardon Schools bus driver. This career spanned over 35 years and she left an indelible mark on countless students.
Her life outside of “driving” was spent on vibrant flowerbeds, an enormous garden in the summertime, sharing her amazing cooking and baking skills, and polka dancing with Neil.
Lillian lived her life to the best of her ability and left this earth wishing all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren would find safety in this mixed-up world. She cherished her longtime friends and neighbors and was thankful for all of them.
A visitation for friends and family will be held on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, from 10-11:30 a.m., with a memorial service to begin at 11:30 a.m. at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon. Interment will follow at Montville Township Cemetery.
The family suggest donations be made to the Montville Fire Department, 9755 Madison Road, Montville, OH 44062, or a charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burr Funeral Home in Chardon. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.
