J. Mattie Schultz Hoff, 84, of 1321 Sand Hill Circle, went to praise the Lord on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012. She was born in Williamsport on July 18, 1928, a daughter of Milton H. Schultz and Ella Lee Schultz. She was married to Samuel R. Hoff of Williamsport for 55 years.
She graduated from Williamsport High School in 1946 and later attended classes at Williamsport Area Community College and Lycoming College. Moving to New York after her high school graduation, she graduated from Barbizon School of Modeling and did professional modeling with the Arnold Constable Department Store and for Ciro, a sportswear manufacturer. After returning to Williamsport in 1953, she worked as office manager for the Williamsport Shopper prior to her marriage in 1956.
Mattie's rich spiritual journey was a highlight of her life. She was baptized as a Lutheran and was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Williamsport for many years, serving as Vice President of Church Council there. During the 1950s, she embraced Catholicism, though later returned to the Lutheran faith. During the 1970s, she served as President of the Williamsport Chapter of Hadassah, becoming one of the few Gentile leaders of the Jewish women's organization in the United States. For more than a decade until her passing, she maintained active membership in Episcopal churches in Laporte, Pa., and Montoursville, Pa.
Though a wife and mother, she was active in community affairs. While her children attended Cochran Elementary School in Williamsport, Mrs. Hoff served as Vice President of the school's Parent-Teacher Association. She was a den mother for her sons' Cub Scout troop. She was a longtime member of the Lake Mokoma Association, where she served on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer. She served on the Board of Directors of the Florence Crittenton Home. She was an active fundraiser for Lycoming County United Way and for the Williamsport High School Booster Club. She was a member of both the Williamsport and Laporte Women's Club. As a member of Eagles Mere Country Club, she chaired the Women's Golf Committee. Mrs. Hoff was a volunteer for the School of Hope and the Williamsport Hospital. She was a member of the Jaycee Wives and was voted Key Girl of the Year during her service.
Mattie's interests and talents were wide-ranging. She was a natural artist whose ability to free-hand Old English script was in constant demand. She had a knack for solving crossword puzzles and was a champion bridge player. At Eagles Mere Country Club, she won several golf tournaments in her category of competition. She loved to travel abroad and once had a bullfight dedicated to her while visiting Spain. She was a lifelong Pittsburgh Pirates fan. Her cooking acumen was legendary and her baked beans were the best this side of Heaven.
Mattie was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and two sisters, Shirley Schultz Bruno and Gail Grecco of Williamsport. She is survived by her sister, Barbara Schultz (Orvis) Koser of Loyalsock Township. Also surviving her are three children, Dr. Samuel B. (Phyllis) Hoff of Dover, Del., Matthew J. (Rose) Hoff of Montoursville, and Dr. Gretchen A. Hoff of Loyalsock Township, along with three grandchildren, Alison Hoff of Augusta, Maine, Ian Hoff of Montoursville, and Kara Hoff of Scranton, Pa.
A viewing is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, at Spitler Funeral Home, 733 Broad St., Montoursville, where friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Church of Our Saviour, 31 N. Loyalsock Ave., Montoursville, on Thursday, Aug. 30, starting at 10 a.m., with Rev. Lauri A. Kerr officiating. Burial will follow in Montoursville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lycoming County United Way, 1 W. Third St., Suite 208, Williamsport, PA 17701. Submitted by family.
