Joan Arlene Hoffman

Joan Arlene Hoffman, 93, of Fleetwood, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at Reading Hospital.

She was the widow of John Hoffman, who passed away in 1982.

Born on March 15, 1932, in Maidencreek Township, Joan was the daughter of the late Paul Brobst and Mabel (Keim) Brobst. She was a 1950 graduate of Fleetwood High School. Following graduation, Joan was employed by the Fleetwood Shirt Company for 45 years, where she worked as a sewing machine operator and later served as sewing room supervisor for the final ten years of her career.

After retiring in 1997, Joan remained actively involved in her community. She served on the Board of Directors for Tarsus Corporation and the Fleetwood Community Bus, and was a devoted member of the Fleetwood and Pricetown Senior Citizens Clubs, where she previously held the position of treasurer for both organizations. A woman of deep faith, Joan was a former Deacon and lifelong member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Fleetwood.

Joan was part of the action wherever she went. She loved organizing senior citizen social events, outings with friends, and gatherings with former classmates from Fleetwood High School’s Class of 1950. She never met a stranger and maintained lifelong friendships. Joan taught her children and grandchildren to live with their eyes wide open — to see the world for what it is and to extend a helping hand to others.

In her earlier years, Joan was an avid camper who spent nearly every weekend at Christmas Pines Campground in Auburn, PA. In retirement, her social calendar was often booked months in advance, and everyone knew better than to call on NASCAR race Sundays. Joan was a model of strength and independence to her family and friends and will be remembered with joy, love, and countless fond memories.

She is survived by two children: Randy Hoffman, husband of Barbara (Arbogast) Hoffman of Fleetwood, and Lori (Hoffman) Cole, widow of Lawrence “Larry” Cole of Lititz.

Also surviving are three grandchildren: Jenni (Hoffman) Batz, wife of David of Blandon; Kerry Hoffman, husband of Kimberly (Henrie) of Danville, PA; and Michelle (Hoffman) Walker, wife of Joseph Walker III of Cary, NC.

Joan also leaves behind nine great-grandchildren: Tyler Mowry, Joseph Walker IV, Brooke Mowry, Chloe Hoffman, Jacob Mowry, Benjamin Walker, Garrett Hoffman, Katherine Walker, and Amelia Hoffman.

She was predeceased by her son, Gary Hoffman, and by two siblings, Arthur Brobst and Melva (Brobst) Bieber.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Fleetwood. A visitation will take place prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Paul’s UCC Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ Memorial Fund.

Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., Laureldale, is in charge of arrangements.

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