Melanie Hoffman

Mrs. Melanie Caroline Hoffman, 71, of Middletown, passed away at home, Thursday morning June 12th, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  She was the wife of Ed Hoffman for 50 years. Melanie was born on July 7, 1942, in Brooklyn, NY.  She was the daughter of the late Addison and Marie (Kennedy) Lathrop. She is also survived by her brother William (Kathy) Lathrop. Surviving in addition to her husband and brother are four children: son Ed (June) Hoffman of Coral Springs, FL; daughter Julie (Doug) Chappell of Frederick, MD; daughter Sherri (Doug) Calhoun of Raleigh, NC; daughter Kari (Brian) Lussier of Denver, CO; AFS son Jure (Marijana) Petic of Maribor, Slovenia. Melanie is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Eddie, Addison, Rowan; Justin, Luke, Nathan, Kalinn; Ryan, Nick, Jillian, Eric; Filip and Marko. Melanie valued education throughout her life.  From Hood College, she earned a B.A. in Early Childhood Education 1964, an M.A. in Human Sciences 1979 and an Educational Leadership Certificate in 1994. Melanie retired from her long service to the Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) as the Supervisor of Psychological Services in 2006.  She began her career as a special education teacher at Harmony Grove School and worked for many years at Rock Creek School.  After completing her Master's degree, Melanie worked as a School Psychologist from 1979-1993.  Melanie served as the Supervisor of Special Education for FCPS from 1993-1996. She returned to her psychologist position in 1996.  She was instrumental in establishing the FCPS Crisis Team in the 1980s to support students and staff following traumatic events. Since retirement she enjoyed traveling the world with Ed, her family and many special friends. Particular highlights with family were a Disney cruise and annual trips to Myrtle Beach. She maintained many lifelong friendships through several bridge groups, her breakfast group, book club, AARP and her involvement at church. Melanie led a life of service through her work and community activities.  She was an outgoing and compassionate woman. She is remembered by her co-workers and friends as a great adviser, sounding board, and mentor. Melanie was currently sitting on the Board of Associates of Hood College and serving on the Scholarship Committee at Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ. Melanie served her church faithfully in her role as an Elder and on many committees. She cherished her work as the long term Chair of the Scholarship Committee.  She played many supportive roles such as Stephen minister and nursery volunteer. She was an active member of many community groups through the years.  She served as Jaycees Wives President, Jr. Women's Club President in the 60's and 70's. A lifelong sports fan, Melanie enjoyed sports activities of all kinds and facilitated activities for her four children and others through her volunteer work.  This led her to serve as chaperone for the Frederick County delegation to the 1972 Special Olympics in Los Angeles.   She served on the Board of directors at Brook Lane. She was a member of the Frederick County Teachers Association, Maryland Psychologist Association and Phi Kappa Phi. Her volunteerism led her to serve roles in Middletown athletics, AFS, and the Religious Coalition Cold Weather Shelter. The family would like to thank all those involved with providing outstanding care in the last year.  In particular, Dr. Adriana Hohl, Dr. Hudhud and the phenomenal staff at the Frederick Cancer Care Center, Homewood Rehab, and the caring staff with Hospice. The family will receive friends at the Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, on Friday June 20, 2014, from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ, 15 West Church St., Frederick. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be mailed to ERUCC, 15 West Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701.  Funds will be applied to the new building project, a project Melanie strongly supported to enable the church continue growing in their mission to create a healthier, peaceful and just world. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com or at www.caringbridge.org/melaniehoffman.

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