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Emma Harriet Nighswander Hoffmann

April 7, 2012

HoffmannEmmaApril7


Emma Harriet Nighswander - Hoffmann

September 16, 1924 - April 7, 2012


Emma (Padberg) Hoffmann was born on September 16, 1924 in Oyen and passed away peacefully in the Big Country Hospital on April 7, 2012.


She was the fourth child of the five children born to Ida and John Padberg. Her parents farmed in the Hudson Heights School District near Esther, Alberta. She attended the Hudson Heights School which was only about a mile west of the farm. Emma always remembered the fun times at school, especially the sports days and concerts.


After completing high school in 1943, she attended Normal School in Edmonton. She received her teaching degree and taught at the Vernon School, which was about five miles from her parents farm, for two years before moving on to a school near Delia, and after that to a school near Aldersyde. She enjoyed spending time with her sister Therese, who was also a teacher.


She wanted to see the country, so in the fall of 1947, she and her cousin Dorothy went to Stettler to visit family. She liked the area and found a job working as a store clerk and then as a waitress at a café owned by Ron Nighswander. She went to college and took a business course. She later taught at that same college. When the college closed, she worked for a lawyer for a short time, but she really wanted to teach young children again. There was an opening at the Stettler Elementary School, so she applied and was hired to teach grade four, then grade five and later grade two for many years. She continued to teach until 1985 and then subbed until 1988.


She and Ron Nighswander were married in 1952. At that time, he had sold the cafe and was working as a parts manager in the Ford Garage. Together they had three sons, Russell, born in 1953, Barrie in 1954 and Leonard in 1957. Ron passed away in 1981.


Emma enjoyed travelling, gardening, golfing, floor curling and disking. She liked doing volunteer work in the community. She loved to spend time with family and friends, and especially with her grandchildren.


She later renewed her childhood friendship with Ted Hoffmann and they were married on August 31, 1996. Together, they moved to Oyen. Ted and Emma enjoyed many hobbies, such as golfing at the Oyen Golf Course and travelling.


Emma will be loved and remembered by her husband of sixteen years Ted; three sons Russell, Barrie (Margo), and Len; and grandchildren Tammy Nighswander (Wes Ehler), Cindy (Chris) Schultz, and Wojtus Trzebaniak.


She was predeceased by her parents John and Ida Padberg; sisters Alida and Therese; brothers Lawrence and Henry; and first husband Ron Nighswander.


Funeral Service was held Friday, April 13, at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall in Oyen, Alberta. Officiating Clergy was Bonnie Burke. A tribute was given by Murray Woods. The organist was Marvel Jorgenson and special music was "One Day at a Time" by Ralph Jorgenson. Hymns were "Just A Closer Walk With Thee", "Amazing Grace" and "Whispering Hope." Honorary Pallbearers were Murray Woods, Gary Woods, Jim Woods, Randy Woods, Clark Huston, Wayne Hoffmann, Russell Hoffmann, and Reg Hoffmann.


Memorial tributes may be directed to World Vision, 1 World Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L5T 2Y4; or the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (S.T.A.R.S.), Box 150, Oyen, Alberta, T0J 2J0.


Following the funeral service, family and friends were invited to a luncheon hosted by the Esther Community Club and Oyen Seniors Association in the Oyen Legion Hall.


MACLEAN'S FUNERAL HOME

of Oyen in care of arrangements.



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