Jenean Helen Hoffman, beloved wife, mother, “Memee”, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the age of 77.
Jean’s greatest joy in life was her family. Her grandchildren held an especially cherished place in her heart, and she loved each of them deeply. Her home was always open to children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends — a place filled with warmth, laughter, and unconditional love. She made sure her grandchildren’s favorite snacks were always stocked and treasured every moment spent together, from Sunday popcorn nights to school events, sporting activities, and family gatherings.
Jean had a special gift for making people feel loved and remembered. Whether through thoughtful notes and postcards, meaningful conversations, or the baby towels and blankets she lovingly sewed for others, she touched countless lives with her kindness and generosity.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Daniel Hoffman; her children, Jeff (Heather) Hoffman and Jody (Sean) Yaw; and the grandchildren she adored: Mallery Yaw (Seth), Hayden (Drew) Struckmeyer, Maysen Yaw (Brady), Gavin Hoffman (Lexi, McKenna Yaw, Payton Hoffman (Cam), and McKoye Yaw. She was also blessed with two great-grandsons, Rhett and Brooks Struckmeyer.
Jean shared a close and special bond with her sister, Gay (Vern) Nauta; brother-in-law, Doug Wester; special cousin, Wendell (Helen) Christoff; Gregg (Emily) Intrain; and lifelong friend, Charlene Kooistra. She also treasured her many extended family members and dear friends, including nieces and nephews Ronda, James, Shela, Matt, Aaron, Heather, Andy, and Jim.
Born and raised in Lowell, Jean graduated from Lowell High School in 1967. Shortly after, she married Daniel Hoffman on August 12 and moved with him to East Lansing, where they began building their life together. As newlyweds, Jean worked while supporting Dan through his studies at Michigan State University. They later returned to Lowell to raise their family.
Faith was an important part of Jean’s life. She grew up attending the Nazarene Church, where she faithfully taught Sunday school for many years. Later, Jean and Dan became devoted members of Ada Bible Church for more than 30 years, serving as greeters and warmly welcoming others into the church community.
Jean dedicated 33 years of service to the Vergennes Township community as both Clerk and Treasurer. She took great pride in serving others and formed many lasting friendships through her work.
Jean and Dan especially enjoyed traveling with their longtime friends, Dan and Ann Huver, throughout Florida and many other states before eventually spending their winter months in Green Valley, Arizona. There they formed many treasured friendships with Marna and Ted Kudart, Kathy and Dale Reichert, Pam and Dave Page, Cowboy Jerry (Bernice) Nance, and many others, including their beloved “Happy Hour” friends, with whom they shared countless joyful memories.
When not in Arizona, Jean and Dan enjoyed the simple pleasures of camping and visiting dear friends in Goshen, Indiana, including the Cristy and Rosetta Troyer family, Lloyd and Ida Mae Miller, Lamar Miller, and the Lloyd and Rhoda Troyer family.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Everett and Pauline (Christoff) Carey; her stepfather, Robert Eskes; her in-laws, Charles and Shirley Hoffman; her brother, Ron Carey; sisters-in-law, Verla Carey and Sue Wester; great-nephew, Andrew Benedict; and dear friend, Dan Huver.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 19, at 11:00 a.m., with family greeting guests beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Ada Bible Church, 8899 Cascade Rd. SE, with Phil Niekerk officiating. Visitation will take place on Monday, May 18, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Roth-Gerst Funeral Home, 305 N. Hudson Lowell, Michigan 49331. Services will be livestreamed: Watch Here; https://control.resi.io/webplayer/video.html?id=82eeb61b-355a-446e-98ff-5d2a085aba84
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Faith Hospice -especially Anna, Lauren, and Tom -for their compassionate care and support.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lowell Pink Arrow, Standing Stone Ministries (Phil and Janice Niekerk), Faith Hospice, or 11QUSA.org Research in honor of McKenna Yaw.
3 Responses
Hugs and Prayers. We are so sorry for your loss. R.I.P. Dear Jenean
Dear Dan, Jeff & Heather, Jody & Sean and families,
Our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your wonderful wife, mother and memee. She was a special person and always fun to be around. Our grandsons are still using the personalized bath towels she made for each of them when they were born. It warms our hearts. We are thinking of you in your time of sorrow. Hugs to each of you.
Jean was so sweet. Really missed seeing her and Dan in AZ this spring. My grands have towels made by her and will be cherished forever. Rest easy sweet lady. Live, hugs and prayers to Dan and the family