Photo courtesy of Edward J. Petner Funeral Home, LTD
Annie “X” Hoffman climbed the stairway to heaven after a brief battle with adenocarcinoma. “Sis” Hoffman was preceded in death by her husband John L. “Jack” Hoffman by 20-years. This day we will put two God-fearing, hard-working, humble great Americans to rest in ever-lasting peace in our Washington’s Crossing Pennsylvania national cemetery.
Anna Marie Hoffman (nee Xibos) was born in Philadelphia Pennsylvania to first generation American immigrants from Greece and Ireland, John and Anna Marie Xibos (nee Fitzpatrick). When she was 10-years old the family moved to Elkins Park Pennsylvania, where Annie attended St James Catholic School, and in 1956 graduated Cheltenham High School. “Sis” was one of nine Xibos children who enjoyed simple pleasures and fine suburban living in the Xibos house at Old York Road and Elkins Avenue in Elkins Park PA.
Annie was preceded in death by her brothers, Patrick of Venice FL and Edward of Jamison PA, and is survived by sisters Mary Spencer of Venice FL, Elizabeth “Betty” Seldes of Morrisville PA, and Brothers John Jr., Augustus “Gus,” of Glenside PA and Martin “Marty” Xibos of Philadelphia PA. Annie and Jack’s children are Anne Marie “Chickie” (Laurence) Kozakowski of Philadelphia PA, and USAF CMSgt (Retired) John L. Jr, of Midland TX. Grandchildren Anne Marie (Ray) Quigley of Hatboro PA, Dr. Michelle (Devin) Christman of Alexandria VA, and USAF Captain Laurence (Jordyn) Kozakowski Jr. currently stationed Cannon AFB NM. Great-grandmother to Riley, and Miles Jack Quigley of Hatboro PA. She also had a special love for and shared many giggles with her nieces and nephews – especially Wendy, Cheryl, Denise, Shelly and Jim Cunningham Jr of Trevose PA.
A loving Mother, Grand and Great-grand Mother, a proud homemaker and housewife first, she worked part-time as a Revlon cosmetic saleswoman, a waitress, and school bus driver for Cheltenham township. Her volunteer work with hospice caring for and feeding aging family members, friends, neighbors and seniors brought her the most joy. Her closest friends were her fun-loving, line-dancing, boot-scootin’ seniors of the local VFW and American Legion. She also thoroughly enjoyed travelling the world to visit her many relatives and cousins in Greece and Ireland, and often visiting her far-a-flung Airman son John. Even in her death she proved she cared for others more than herself by donating her body to science.
John L “Jack” Hoffman also died from cancer, specifically complications from lung cancer in 2002. Jack also was born in Philadelphia to John L, and Ella F Hoffman (nee Frank). His family moved to the McKinley section of Abington township when as a young man tragedy struck, and his father killed in a 1938 automobile accident. A few years later Jack dropped out of the 5th grade at McKinley school to help provide for his family, where he became the hard-scrabble, no-nonsense survivor we all grew to love.
Jack was preceded in death by his brothers William of Williamstown NJ and Donald of Hatfield PA, and survived by the now deceased sisters Elizabeth “Rene” (Buckwalter) of Mesa AZ, Mary (Cunningham) of Trevose PA and brother Raymond of Abington PA. Proud father to “Chickie” and John, and Grandfather to Anne Marie, Dr. Michelle and USAF Captain Larry Kozakowski Jr.
Jack worked any and all jobs he could to live the American dream and was in his words: “a jack of all trades, master of none!” He was a long-time press operator at the Northwood rubber company in Philadelphia, a 20-plus year employee and eventual Manager of the Old York Road Skating Club in Elkins Park PA, before joining and retiring from the Cheltenham Township School District as a painter and maintenance man. He proudly served 4-years in the US Naval Reserve Willow Grove NAS, before joining the US Marine Corps for 2-years during the Korean conflict. He was formally trained as an aircraft mechanic on the Vought F4U Corsair and honorably discharged as a Corporal USMC in 1952. Jack also served his community for several years as a volunteer firefighter, driver and pump operator for the Ogontz fire company in Elkins Park PA.
Annie and Jack simply ask you carry-on, believe-in and spread the good fortune of the American dream; where faith, unselfish hard-work, and love of mankind make our Country like no other on this planet. They watch over and protect us patiently waiting our arrival and wish “God be with you till we meet again.”
Relatives and friends are welcome to a brief Honors Ceremony for Jack and Annie prior to their Internment at the Washington’s Crossing National Cemetery, 830 Highland Rd, Newtown PA 18940. Line-up behind the hearse at 11:15 AM for an 11:30 AM sharp ceremony start.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the fight against cancer in their honor. Go to the American Cancer Society webpage The American Cancer Society (acsevents.org) and search for Annie and Jack’s Cancer Fight Fund.
Edward J. Petner Funeral Home, LTD
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Pop always loved when you came to visit
Florida fun Aunt Anne always surprised us
Some fun photos and awesome memories with our special Aunt I miss you so much, I’m happy you are at peace and pain free. I love you
Uncle Jack & Aunt Sis thank you for being a great uncle and aunt and for all the wonderful memories we have, and for teaching and caring for us as we grew up. ❤❤ You will be greatly missed and forever in our hearts.
We will love you forever, may your hearts be filled with memories and love until you meet again. God bless you John, Chickie and family. ❤
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