Helen Hoffman (Willett)
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It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Helen Anne Hoffman (nee Willett) of
Chatham, on November 19, 2022 at the age of 72 years. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Wulf Peter Hoffman. She was known as Ni... Read More
Chatham, on November 19, 2022 at the age of 72 years. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Wulf Peter Hoffman. She was known as Nini by many and will be forever missed by her nieces Jodi-Lynn Adams and Angela May, and her niece in heart, Katherine Shaw. Helen is predeceased by her loving parents Donald and Anne Willett of Chatham, her sister Bonnie and brother Donald Jr. She is survived by her younger brother Thomas and his partner Deborah.
Helen spent her formative years visiting her grandparent's dairy in Wheatley where her love of butter was established. She could tell with just one sniff that milk was about to turn in days. She was fortunate to live beside family members and she became inseparable from her little cousin Laura. Donald and Anne built their dream home in Chatham and the family moved there. Here Helen attended Chatham Collegiate lnstitute and made lifelong friends. Deep down, she knew she would be important in many children's lives. She attended Sheridan College for their ECE program. From here her career changed to accounts and payables. Helen loved her career at the head offices of Speedy Muffler King and had many wonderful times with coworkers that became extensions of her family. While living in Toronto Helen met the love of her life, Wulf. lt was a whirlwind romance and April 13th of 1985 they were wed. ln 1994, Nini stood by her sister's side, held her hand and watched her pass from cancer. Helen and Wulf opened their home to their niece Jodi-Lynn and they became a family of 3. Jodi and Nini became more than just aunt and niece. Nini stepped in and became the mom that Jodi needed. Angie was always a phone call away and enjoyed summers touring Toronto and Central Ontario with Nini. ln 2002, Nini left her career and started an at home day care. Children came into her life and became her children from her heart. For 18 years she opened her door, her heart, and her soul to many families. This was her joy and passion. Helen loved with her whole heart and would do anything for them. She was the greatest great aunt to Mackenzie and Chyler Adams. Always inquisitive about their love lives and their social activities. Ninster doted on her girls and loved them deeply. Her memory and kindness will carry with them through life and all that they do.
We would like to give a huge acknowledgment to Ken Monders. He moved into Nini's basement and became the best caretaker Helen could ever have asked for. From a constant companion to family events, last minute lottery ticket getter, grocery runner, tv watching friend and everything in between, Ken has been a rock that kept the household running. Helen was the best Nini-in-law to Gary Adams and Sam May. She shared a special bond with these two guys. Always poking fun, telling her to try this "chicken" or "roast beef' which was actually rabbit and brisket. From wet willies to all the jokes, Nini will be remembered for her dirty sense of humour and paybacks. The sarcasm was thick with these three troublemakers.
Thank you to Erie-St. Clair LHIN, her PSW's Lynda, Becky, Megan and Tina. Thank you for the care given to Helen at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and the staff at CCR UNIT. Your kindness, discretion and thoughtfulness in her last moments will be forever remembered and words cannot express our gratitude. lt made Helen's transition easier knowing she was comfortable and cared for with honour.
Cremation has taken place. Donations can be made to the Chatham Outreach for Hunger, Wigs for Kids or your local branch of Boys and Girls Club.
Please know, she loved you and thought of you often. Xoxo
CHATHAM OUTREACH HUNGER INC (CHATHAM OUTREACH FOR HUNGER INC.) Boys Girls Clubs Canada/Les repaires jeunesse du Canada (BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF CANADA/CLUBS GARCONS ET FILLES DU CANADA)
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