Bernadette S. (Silke) Hoffman

Bernadette Silke Hoffman was called home to God on Saturday May 4, 2019 at the age of 84. She is predeceased by her husband John Hoffman; daughters Kathleen, Anita and Elaine; brothers Lexie and Michael Silke and sisters Joan Schriber and Mary Flynn. She is survived by her siblings David and Shelia Silke and by her daughters Bernadette Hoffman-Wild (Lawrence Wild) and Julie Hoffman Webb (Alan Webb). She was the beloved "Nanny" of her grandchildren, Lara Nicolau (Gabriel Nicolau), Mara Falbo-Wild (Alexander Falbo-Wild), Jake Webb, Nicholas Webb, Hunter Webb and her great-granddaughter Felicity Nicolau.

Bernadette was born June 9, 1934 in Kilally, County Cork, Ireland. As a young girl, her family moved to Ballygar, County Galway. As a young woman, she returned to County Cork for a position on the staff of Ashford Castle (where the movie The Quiet Man was filmed).  She emigrated to the United States in her early twenties, where she worked at the US&G Insurance Company and in Stewart’s Department Store. She retained a hint of her Irish brogue throughout her life.

Mrs. Hoffman met and married her husband John in 1960. They were married for over 50 years.  Together they owned and operated Hoffman's Farm in Catonsville.  While running the farm stand, Mrs. Hoffman often engaged her customers in great conversation and made many lifelong friends.

Mrs. Hoffman also served in many community groups. She lent her heart to bereaved families as a founding member of the Compassionate Friends Catonsville Chapter. Enduring the early passing of two of her children (Anita and Kathleen), she understood the pain of loss. She was a volunteer for the Baltimore Archdiocese program Sacramental Preparation for Persons with Disabilities (SSPD) founded by Sister Justa Walton, I.H.M.  Her farm was the site of many joyful gatherings for the students of SSPD and others in the community.  Mrs. Hoffman was also a member of the Baltimore County Farm Bureau and the Patapsco Valley Republican Club.

A devout Catholic, she frequently prayed the rosary.  She was a long-time parishioner of St. Agnes in Catonsville, and later of St. Benedict in Baltimore City. Her faith was central to her person and she was a spiritual pillar for her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Benedict Church, 2612 Wilkens Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21223.

Viewing Saturday, May 11, 2019, 9:30 - 11am @ St. Benedict's Church. Mass at 11am. Interment private.