Ethel HoffmanDecember 1, 1921 - June 10, 2011It is with great sadness that the family of Mrs. Ethel (nee Melnyk) Hoffman of Central Parkland Lodge, Lanigan, (and formerly of Humboldt), announces her death on Friday, June 10, 2011, at her residence. She was 89 years of age. Ethel was born on December 1, 1921, to Nicholas and Mary (nee Semeniuk) Melnyk in Runnymede, SK. On July 15, 1943, Ethel married Clarence Hoffman in Saskatoon. Their union was blessed with a son, Mel. Years later, when the family grew to include two granddaughters, in whom she was so delighted, Ethel loved to spend time with them, especially during their annual summer holidays from school when many precious memories were made at "Grandma's." Throughout her life, Ethel had a passion for nature and the outdoors. Innumerable pleasant hours were spent tending to the garden, picking raspberries, and simply relaxing and watching the birds, particularly the martins and robins. Ethel also loved camping and fishing, especially in the northern part of the province, such as Otter Lake and other lakes in the La Ronge area. In addition, she had an interest in natural therapies and researched various plants and herbs for beneficial information. Art, music and collecting antiques were other passions Ethel thoroughly enjoyed, some of which she passed on to her granddaughters. She continued that by encouraging her great-granddaughters to develop their natural talent by taking art classes, often buying the supplies they required, and was proud to receive and display the paintings they created and gave to her. Of the many genres of music, she preferred classical, with André Rieu being a favourite artist, and often attended theatre musicals or concerts in Saskatoon with her granddaughter Dawn. While at home, Ethel could often be found listening to Art Bell on the radio or watching movies or hockey on T.V., especially when Canadian - and preferably Saskatchewan - hockey players were playing. While living in the Lodge at Lanigan, she was delighted to watch the deer and finches which often came up and peered in her window. She especially derived great pleasure from visiting with family and friends over a cup of tea. Ethel will be lovingly remembered by her son, Marlyn "Mel" (Brenda) Hoffman of La Ronge, SK, and family, Dawn Hoffman of Saskatoon, and Jeanna (Rick) Kitzler and their children Ashley and Emily of Martensville, SK; two sisters: Sylvia Smith and Helene Peacock, both of Toronto, ON; and by numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Clarence Hoffman (August 13, 1998); parents, Nicholas and Mary (nee Semeniuk) Melnyk; three sisters: Laverne, Elsie and Vivian; and by one brother, Bert Melnyk. The Funeral Service for Ethel was held at Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, on Thursday, June 16, 2011, at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Al Hingley. Interment followed at Humboldt Public Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to Central Parkland Lodge, Lanigan, SK. SCHULER-LEFEBVRE, Humboldt, SK.
