Gisela Margot Hoffmann

Gisela Hoffmann, age 96, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2022, at Judson Park Health Center, where she stayed for two weeks before her loving heart stopped due to end stage heart disease.

Gisela was born in Silesia, Germany to Karl and Elfriede (nee Lichter) Hoffmann (both deceased). She had two sisters, Rita Hoffmann Becker of Germany and Sigrid Hoffmann Kotsch (Heinz) of Kelowna, BC, Canada (both deceased). She is survived by Sigrid’s children in Kelowna, Vivian Kotsch, Gina Kotsch, Sylvia Abbott, Dirkson Kotsch and their children. Visits to her loving relatives in Kelowna were always a highlight of Gisela’s life.

Gisela was married to her love, Bob Blumberg, for 37years, and there was a big hole in her heart when Bob passed away in 2015 at the age of 92. She got through the trauma of Bob’s death by joining bereavement groups and made wonderful friends in the process. Mary Luca became her best friend.

Gisela was part of Eveline McElroy’s extended family for 54 years and attended family holidays, birthdays and weddings with Eveline and Michael and their children, Tara McElroy MD (Praveer Kumar, M.D.), Alexander McElroy, Esq. (Rachel, Esq.) and their grandchildren.

We celebrate Gisela’s life. She was born into a life where her father was the Principal of the Gymnasium and choirmaster and organist of the local church. Her mother stayed at home caring for the family. Her father instilled in Gisela her lifelong habit of propriety and orderliness. Gisela’s household was most organized: everything had its place. She was fastidious in her appearance. She never met a stranger that she was not interested in talking to. She was very gregarious and made a good impression on all she met.

Gisela experienced the horrors of WWII and the aftermath under Russian control when many times there was not enough food, and everyone was poor. She moved to the USA to be near her cousin, Gerda Hoffmann Zissitch.  Because of this, she had empathy for those who suffer from hunger and gave generously to The Hunger Network and Cleveland Food Bank and to many organizations that help the disadvantaged.

Gisela worked for University Circle Incorporated as an accountant. It was during this time that she met and fell in love with Bob. She and Bob enjoyed an active time engaging in ballroom dancing, bridge and other card games with many friends. They traveled around the country to warmer spots in the winter and internationally also. Bob and Gisela complemented each other in many ways, and both were very happy together in their loving union.

Gisela’s last years were buoyed up by her many friends.  As her health declined, these friends took her out to concerts, dinners, shopping, hairdressing, vacations and many other activities that comforted Gisela and made her life easier and more interesting. She was thankful to all of them.

Gisela was especially grateful for the excellent care that she received from April E., Beverly D., Betty H. and James M. of Cherished Companions Home Care of Chagrin Falls.

In summary, Gisela loved life and we all celebrate her long and active life. Now, may she rest in the Peace of Our Lord.

Donations may be made to the Hunger Network or The Cleveland Food Bank in honor of Gisela’s memory.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 9, 2022, beginning promptly at 10 AM at the Lake View Cemetery Community Mausoleum (just inside the Mayfield Rd. entrance). Please arrive by 9:45 AM. Arrangements entrusted to THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID.