Mary Colones Hoffler

1921 - 2017

Mary Colones Hoffler obituary, 1921-2017, Greensboro, NC

Mary Hoffler Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 1, 2017.

After 95 years of a fully engaged life, Mary Tom Colones Hoffler of Greensboro, North Carolina died on April 23, 2017.

A memorial service will be held at St. Francis Episcopal Church at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2, 2017. The family will receive friends at the church following the service.

Mary was born June 30, 1921 in Durham, NC. She was the daughter of the late Tom Colones and Julia Christopher, and was always proud of her Greek heritage.

Mary grew up in Selma, NC. She received her BA degree from Atlantic Christian College, her MA degree from UNC-Chapel Hill, and Delta Kappa Gamma scholarships in the PhD program at UNC-Chapel Hill, where she directed and produced plays for the Carolina Playmakers.

Mary loved the English language and was a life-long student of literature. As an educator, she passed on this love to her students. Her educational philosophy was guided by high expectations of achievement and dedication to her students. She taught English at Florida State College for Women (FSU), the University of Southern Mississippi, and the University of Tennessee. Mary also taught English, French, and Latin in Smithfield and Enfield, NC. In 1963 she and her family moved to Greensboro where Mary began a 20 year career at Grimsley High School and served as head of the English Department. She was recently recognized by Delta Kappa Gamma for her 60+ years as an "extraordinary woman educator."

Mary was active at St. Francis Episcopal Church, where she served as the director of altar guild and was instrumental in starting the St. Francis Book Sale. She was a member of The Historical Book Club of NC, OBC, and O'Henry Study Club, and served for many years as a docent at the Greensboro Historical Museum. She was a charter member and education chairman of the Greensboro Opera Company. She enjoyed dressing up as Aunt Lina and reading O'Henry stories to elementary students during the O'Henry Festival.

Mary was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening, music, needlework and especially her travels with her husband, Buck, whether it was a family excursion in a Coleman camper or a summer study abroad. You could always find her in her favorite chair at Abottswood knitting baby blankets for the Women's Hospital, blessing each with a prayer woven with her love.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore Edward "Buck" Hoffler, her parents, Tom Colones and Julia Christopher Colones, and her brother, John T. Colones.

She is survived by her daughter, Angela Hoffler Berry (Doug), her son Theodore Edward "Ted" Hoffler, both of Greensboro; her granddaughters, Katherine Lucinda Berry (Josh), Madeleine Berry Smith (Dixon), Corinne Berry Jones (Kevin), and Angela Martin Berry; her great-grandchildren, Eliza, Robert, Foster, and Grady; her nephews and niece, Tom Colones, Robert Colones (Deborah), Jean Colones Ligon (Randy), and great-niece and great-nephews.

The family would like to extend sincere thanks to Rose Hill, Jackie Aiken, and April McBee for their love and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Francis Episcopal Church, 3506 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro, NC 27408 or the Greensboro Public Library Foundation, PO Box 3178, Greensboro, NC 27402. Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com. Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm chapel is assisting the Hoffler family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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May 8, 2017

Helen Snow

As a retired librarian who worked at Greensboro Public Library for many years, I remember Mary well as a regular customer who enjoyed chatting with staff members. I was in charge of the library's North Carolina Fair for 4th-grade students for some years, and Mary portrayed Aunt Lina as part of that day of activities. She was a most admirable lady, and I was truly sorry to hear of her death.

May 3, 2017

John E. Truitt

I do this not only for myself. I also do this for my sister, Laura, who passed away in 2001. She was one of Mrs. Hoffler`s favorite students and, I assure you, the feeling was mutual! My sister became a better person for her, and Mrs. Hoffler always would ask about her whenever I would see her. As to me, it was my sister who encouraged me to make sure I had Mrs. Hoffler at GHS. And I am very glad I did! She encouraged me to enter the O.Henry S. S. contest. That year we had the first tie and I lost on a coin flip, but today I continue to write, because I had a teacher who cared enough and took the time to give her students that extra nudge to push forward when otherwise they may not. She truly was among the best and most beloved teachers GHS ever knew.

May 3, 2017

marc moskovitz

I was also one of the lucky ones to have had Mary Hoffler as a teacher at Grimsley. She was demanding, fair and passionate and left an indelible impression on me and my love and respect for the English language. I remember vividly memorizing Shakespeare's balcony scene (a very difficult scenario for a young boy who had yet to fall in love to fully grasp) and how proud she was when an editorial I wrote to the Greensboro Record appeared in print (netting me some invaluable extra credit!). When I look back at those pedagogues who most influenced my future (my second book will be published this fall), Mary ranks among the most invaluable and beloved. She was a gift to Grimsley and all those who came under her wing and is what high school teaching should always be about. I send you, her family, my deepest condolences.
Marc Moskovitz (Durham, NC)

May 2, 2017

Cynthia Souers White

I had her as my English teacher while at Grimsley in the late 60's. She was a fabulous teacher. I remember her treating me as a fully responsible adult. I loved visiting her after I went off to college, and found myself thinking of her frequently as I matured. I feel fortunate to have known her.

May 2, 2017

Student

Bill Chambers

Mrs. Hoffler was a fantastic English teacher who I will never forget. She was so kind and caring yet had high expectations. My thoughts and prayers go out to Ted and the family during this difficult time.

May 1, 2017

Tanya Cashwell

I'm so sorry for your loss.

April 30, 2017

I was one of the lucky students who Mrs.Hoffler taught in high school in Enfield, NC in the '60's.
She obviously continued throughout her life to make a profound difference in the lives of many, many people.
With my sympathy, Sharyn Thorne Hardister

April 30, 2017

Brigitte Chauvigne

I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful lady who live a long fulfilling life.. Thinking of you and your family.

April 30, 2017

Sorry for your loss may you draw comfort from Gods word at HOSEA 13:14 L Ohio

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Memorial Events
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May

2

Memorial Gathering

St. Francis Episcopal Church

NC

May

2

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

St. Francis Episcopal Church

NC

Funeral services provided by:

Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home

515 North Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401

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