Bertha Hofman

From Bertha's sister Johanna   I recall many memories of us when we were young…  We would either walk the 2 1/2 miles to school, or ride the horse and buggy; Bertha and I would sit on the seat, I would hold the reins, and brother Ralph would stand on the small platform behind the seat. On the farm Bertha would usually help mom in the house, while I did the outside chores. As teenagers we were very close and did many things together.  When we were older and married, and living apart, we still enjoyed visits. While our mom was alive and living in Nobleford, Bertha and John would travel to Alberta in the summer, and we especially enjoyed the trips to Waterton. Joe and I made trips to Grand Rapids for our daughters' graduations from Calvin College, and Bertha and John were always gracious hosts.  Although we haven't seen each other for several years, we still sent hand-written letters and shared phone calls, mostly talking about our children and families.  I will miss those phone calls and letters from my sister Bertha, but will cherish the memories.  (transcribed by daughter Glenda)

- Glenda Dunnewold

Such great memories of your mom and dad while they were here in Lansing. Watched you kids grow up along with my kids too. ( Ruth with my daughter Sandy, and Tom with my daughter Susie) What good times we had.. Wonderful to know that they , along with my husband Jack and daughter Susie are together in heaven…love to all Mae Bolt

- Mae Bolt

Deepest sympathies to the Hofman family. I grew up in Ideal Park CRC when Rev and Mrs Hofman were pastoring the church.  Tom and Lori Johnson and family

- Tom Johnson

Henry Postman recalls visiting with Bertha and John either in Grand Rapids at the Ideal Park parsonage, or in Alberta. In 1973, one time he recalled, we drove from Oshawa, Ontario, after purchasing a grain truck and went to visit with the relatives for a while at their home in Grand Rapids. Henry and John would relax and watch baseball in their living room, and Alice and Bertha would sit down and talk over tea as sisters, catching up on things, or we would all go for walks in Ideal Park area. The kids, Heather and Lynnette would play with Tom…and sometimes Greg…  We always enjoyed such good, warm hospitality, and care. We felt very encouraged by them in the faith, and their lovely family. They have had a special place and love for our family, especially for Donna, and her son, Leon, who is the same age as their grandson, Benjamin. There prayers and advice were appreciated. During difficult times, the family appreciated Marvin (Mary), Ruth (Steve), Greg (Judy), Tom (Wendy) and their parents steadfastness, and care.  Thank you family for your love for us, Bertha will be missed.  Henry and family.

- Heather Kadach

Laura, Mark, Sarah, and Scott (of Ron and Heidi) purchased the Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for the family of Bertha Hofman.

- Laura, Mark, Sarah, and Scott (of Ron and Heidi)

I am looking back rather fondly at the times that I spent at Uncle John and Aunt Bertha's.I always felt welcomed and loved by Aunt Bertha but not fussed over and I liked that. To hear discussions and opinions and debates I quite liked that also and Aunt Bertha was in there with the rest of them. I stayed 3 times as a single person when they were in Ideal Park. I came out a number of years ago with my family when they moved to Grand Rapids. I was hoping that Lucy and I could come out another time to see Aunt Bertha and your families and I am sorry that I missed that opportunity. We are looking to future times that we can come out there to visit. It is hard to say something meaningful about someone in a few words but to sum it all up I think God blessed many through her and I think she was a pretty cool Aunt and a classy lady in the best sense of the word and I am going to miss her.  Delbert Kooy

- Delbert Kooy

Lansing Christian School purchased the Arrive in Style for the family of Bertha Hofman.

- Lansing Christian School

Country Basket Blooms was purchased for the family of Bertha Hofman.

- Country Basket Blooms

Serene Reflections Bouquet was purchased for the family of Bertha Hofman.

- Serene Reflections Bouquet

I always looked forward to Uncle John, Aunt Bertha and family coming to Southern Alberta. We would usually make a trip to Waterton Lakes during their visits and when I was young I thought that Bertha Falls and Lake had some connection to my Aunt Bertha. It would seem suitable with her love and care for nature. I always appreciated Aunt Bertha’s hospitality when I spent a year at Calvin. I will remember Aunt Bertha with much fondness. Holding all of of my cousins and their families in my heart as you journey through this time. With Love, Cousin Julie and Henry.

- Julie Klok (Kooy)

From sister-in-law Alice Kooy. Though Bertha was far apart in distance, she was always in my heart and I have such good memories of the trips we shared together. Bertha was always kind. Sending the family my love and prayers.

- Julie Klok (Kooy)

Your Family from Friendship Community Church purchased the Divine Peace Bouquet for the family of Bertha Hofman.

- Your Family from Friendship Community Church

Henry & Family purchased the Peaceful White Lilies Basket for the family of Bertha Hofman.

- Henry & Family

Dear Aunt Bertha and Cousins,  I still remember Aunt Bertha and Uncle John taking me under their wings when I had gone through a rather tumultuous marriage time in 1993. I flew to Orlando, Florida, after they met with me to offer some counsel, and respite care. They graciously opened their trailer home in Haines City, Fl., and treated me like their own for 2 weeks! I had a gift of singing so I offered this and sang with the choir and solo at the Reformed Church with one of their Canadian friends accompanying me on the piano. I enjoyed seeing the local highlights of Cypress Gardens, Disney World, Kennedy Space Centre, and had a laugh with my Aunt watching the, "Jeopardy Games show", where Uncle John could give the questions faster than most on the show?! (Huh, how can that be?! A simple Alberta farm boy….was a genius?!) We also watched the Olympic games together, that's if Uncle John wouldn't seek his golf or baseball repeat shows… She helped me sew a small vest and we made meals in the kitchen together. What hospitality, and warmth I received! When, I was ready to return home to Canada, I won't forget the words Aunt Bertha shared…"You became more than a niece to me, you were like a daughter". I was close to my mother, her dear sister, Alice, and she was overjoyed that I received such good care and love from them! With the help of many prayers, and mercy of the Lord, my marriage was restored. Now, to the Praise of God, I remain married with 12 children!  Thank you, Aunt Bertha, for your love and care given to me at a very difficult time. Your and Uncle John's openness and vulnerability made all the difference. I was very much a recipient of the blessing that numerous others were given when under your pastoral care. It was truly a gift from God. I am proud to have known you and hold you dear in my heart.  May your family know the "God of all Comfort" at this time as they mourn your loss. It will be just a short time really, until we see you again. Be encouraged.  Love, Heather Kadach (nee Postman)

- Heather Kadach

Peaceful White Lilies Basket was purchased for the family of Bertha Hofman.

- Peaceful White Lilies Basket