Richard and Shirley Hoffman

Richard “Claire” Hoffman, 99, son of Harry M. Hoffman and Anna E. (McMurdy) Hoffman.

Shirley Mae Hoffman, 98, daughter of Clarence Palmer and Carrie (Bromley) Palmer.

Both of Stoneboro/Sandy Lake, passed away peacefully, and more importantly, together, on April 10, 2026 at Grove Manor.

They had three children, Richard “Dick” Hoffman, Barbara J. Schneider, deceased, (Ray) and Paul Hoffman (Ann); four grandchildren, Richard, Jonathan (Ashley), Allison (Caleb), and Autumn; three great grandchildren, Jack, Maisy, and Ben.

Claire and Shirley were married on September 19, 1947 in Mercer County. They spent the next 78 years building a life and raising a family together in the house that Claire built for them.

Claire was a WWII Vet and served as an aircraft welder. In his civilian career he was an extremely talented carpenter, as well as a lifetime member of the Carpenter’s Union. At one point he was also the union treasurer. Much of his cabinetry work can still be seen gracing many homes and businesses in Sandy Lake.

Shirley was a licensed cosmetologist, a home maker, and a long time (76 year) member of The Eastern Star, Stoneboro Chapter #110. She was also an extremely talented quilt maker!

Both Claire and Shirley were longtime faithful members of Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church as well as active members in the Scouting Program for both of their sons.

Their love and connection to each other was obvious to all who knew them. Many times people made the comparison to the movie “The Notebook”.

This connection and desire to always be together was proven one last time when Claire decided to simply “walk away” from everything he knew and live with Shirley in the nursing home, saying simply “I want to be with mom”.

While we will deeply miss them, they spent their final few months the way they lived their lives: together.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to ROSE AND BLACK FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, INC. 99 Franklin Street, Stoneboro. Family and friends will be received on Monday, April 20 from 10am until the time of service at 1pm with Beth Creekpaum officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery in Sandy Lake.

The family would also like to express their appreciation to the staff at Grove Manor who took wonderful care of Claire and Shirley.