Joan Clare Hoffman, 97, of Farmington Hills, passed away peacefully September 29th, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Joan was born August 12, 1927, in Detroit, MI, daughter of the late Genevieve and Felix Nowacki.

Joan was a gifted student, starting college at Wayne State at the age of 16, and earning a BS in Chemistry.  Her love of reading led her to pursue a Masters degree in Library Science from the University of Michigan following which she worked at the Detroit Public Library until she married in her late 20's.  She had many great memories from these years in her 20's, loving her job and making lifetime friends.  She also traveled extensively with close friends and relatives.

After their marriage in 1957, Joan and Mathias settled first in a modest apartment in Detroit while they built their first home in Southfield (supervised by Matt's father).  In 1966 they moved to a beautiful home in Birmingham to raise their family, and finally settled in a home on Maceday Lake in Waterford during their retirement years.  Maceday Lake became a beloved family gathering place each 4th of July, as well as the perfect spot for innumerable birthday, graduation, and anniversaries to be celebrated.  Most recently Joan and Matt moved into a condo in Farmington Hills to be closer to two of their daughters.

Joan was known to love entertaining, was a great cook, and took great pride in her appearance – a classic lady always looking cute and fashionable in her choice of dress. She was truly a renaissance woman with broad interest in so many diverse subjects including art, history and music of all sorts.  She was a gifted pianist, and shared that love with her grandchildren by giving them piano lessons for years.

She was a true animal lover and was dog Mom to Miska, Winston, and finally Buddy, lavishing love and attention on them as additional members of the family. Joan loved getting updates on her grand-dogs, grand-cats, and grand-birds as well, enjoying pictures and updates on all these extended members of her family.

Joan and Matt were avid travelers, exploring Europe, Turkey, Russia, Canada, Mexico, and innumerous areas of the United States together.  They wintered in Florida for more than 30 years, enjoying the sunshine, walks on the beach, and also welcoming family to join them each winter for a few weeks.

A dedicated volunteer, she typed Braille books for the blind, collected donations for the March of Dimes, and supported many Catholic organizations.

Having a strong faith, Joan was a devoted Catholic, attending church throughout her life. Her marriage with Matt was a beautiful partnership, each completely devoted to one another in love.

Joan is the beloved wife of 67 years to Mathias, and adored mother of Loretta of Deerfield Beach, Florida, infant son the late James (passed shortly after birth), Nancy Richardson (Edward), and Elaine.  Cherished grandmother to Joshua and Genevieve Richardson. Sister of the late Jerome Nowacki.

The Hoffman family will receive guests Monday, October 7, 3-7 pm at the funeral home.

A mass will be celebrated Tuesday, October 8, 11 am (gathering at church, 10:30 am), St Gerald Catholic Church, 21300 Farmington Rd, Farmington.

Joan will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, privately with just her family in attendance.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Salesian Missions in her name using the link provided.

Please keep the Hoffman family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.