Evelyn R. Hoffer

Evelyn Rosemary Hoffer died suddenly while waging a decades long battle with COPD and post-polio syndrome at the Cottages at Hillcrest Country Estates in Papillion, Nebrask, on 9 January 2020. She was 76 years young.



Born into a Navy family on 6 July 1943 in Washington, DC she lived a Navy sailor’s nomadic life in places like Panama, Washington State, Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina. Despite frequent moves she was, unmistakably, a North Carolina girl whose family’s coastal North Carolina roots run so deep they see no frost.



Polio struck Eve at an early age—the rudimentary treatments of the late 1940’s and early 1950’s shaped her outlook on life. She was as sarcastic as she was kind, as tough as she was tender, and as pragmatic as she was sentimental. Eve’s protective shell was hard to crack and she preferred solitary endeavors. However, for those she let in, she showered them with love and loyalty—it was a lifetime friendship.



Navy Petty Officer Bob Hoffer was one of the few suitors brave enough to meet her father and strong enough to be her man. Their 52-year love affair began in Patuxent River, Maryland at the soda counter in Rexall’s Drugstore. Those that know her well are not surprised that she eloped with that young sailor and on one quiet night in 1961 transitioned from Navy daughter to Navy wife—the toughest job in the world. Eve managed to raise three strong, independent, and successful children during tumultuous times—1960’s, 1970’s, and 1980’s. Military pay was short, Navy deployments were long, and economic recessions were plentiful. Somehow the Chief Financial Officer and enforcer of the Hoffer House made it seem that every paycheck—a fortune; every meal—a banquet; every home—a mansion.



Eve found joy in every place she traveled including her favorite place in the world—Motta St Anastasia, Sicily. She loved the people, the food, and slower approach to daily life (dopo domani) that encouraged one to stop and smell the roses—it appealed to her free spirit. She enjoyed the simple pleasures that come from gathering her loved ones around the dinner table—a great meal (usually), an after dinner cigarette (unfortunately) and coffee, a few bourbon drinks (definitely), and always, always, always—dessert (chocolate please).



In her solitary pursuits Eve loved to read and dabble in writing prose. Her tastes covered a broad spectrum. Erma Bombeck, Mitch Albom, Hugh Prather, Rod McKuen, and E. E. Cumming are among her favorite authors. Her music choices were just as broad. You could find her listening to Alison Kraus, Keb’ Mo’, Led Zeppelin and Peter Frampton among others.



Eve was a thoughtful, master gift giver—a hall of fame bargain shopper with an uncanny ability to track down the perfect gift for anyone. She loved the thrill of the hunt.



In later years, Eve was happiest in the foothills of North Carolina—surrounded by the Appalachians, good friends (the Deals, Philyaws, Iversen), and most importantly her sister Shelley. They fulfilled their long-time plan to open a small knick-knack shop together where Eve hunted down the best products at best prices (her forte)—Shelley did everything else. (the little sister—go figure) While it never made much money—that wasn’t the point.



Eve will be sorely missed. She is survived by her “twisted sista” Shelley Winbon of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, children: Robert, Jr. (Amy) of Plattsmouth, Nebraska and Mark (Tammy) of Anchorage, Alaska; daughter Theresa of Virginia Beach, Virginia; grandchildren Kyle Hoffer, Al Hoffer, Nathan Hoffer, Nicholas Hoffer, Ren Kristin, Mackenzie Hoffer, Grace Kristin, Jacob Kristin; chosen grandchild: Felicia Lusero; exchange grandchildren: Jakob Haubjerg, Tobias Mikkelsen, Philipp Hoehn, Lucas Mikkelsen, and Dennis Hoehn.



She is preceded in death by her mother, Blanche R. Kinser; father, Ralph E. Kinser; and her loving husband, Robert H. Hoffer, Sr.



Memorial services and interment at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers a memorial may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, Hudson, 526 Pine Mountain Road, Hudson, NC 28638.