Eleanora Mendel Hoffman

Eleanora Mendel Hoffman passed peacefully in Houston on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at the age of 87.

Eleanora was born on March 10, 1936, in St. John, the third of five children born to Henry and Adela Gassmann Mendel. She came from a family of over 80 first cousins and loved their Sunday get-togethers when growing up on the farm. She attended elementary school at St. Rose of Lima Catholic School and was very proud of her Schulenburg Shorthorns, dearly loving her high school graduating class of 1955 and attending every reunion possible.

After graduation from SHS, Eleanora caught the bus to Houston to work downtown where she lived with her sisters Estelle and Evelyn. It was at Bill Mraz Ballroom in Houston where Eleanora met her dancing partner and love of her life, Arthur Hoffman Jr. Eleanora and Art were married on Oct. 6, 1956, and spent over 61 years winning dance contests, leading many grand marches, and playing “42.” They enjoyed teaching their kids and grandkids how to dance and play dominoes as well.

After growing up on a farm, Eleanora knew how to work hard and did so until she was physically unable. She loved helping people decorate their homes and sold Home Interiors for 45 years. After retiring, Eleanora spent several years lovingly caring for Art until his passing in 2018.

Eleanora never met a stranger and no matter where she went, she was either related or found connections to Schulenburg. She was very proud of her hometown.

Eleanora loved her Houston Astros and attended many games, including both the first and last games in the Astrodome as well as the first game at Minute Maid Park. When she couldn’t attend a game in person, she yelled at the TV as if she was sitting in the stadium!

Anxiously awaiting Eleanora in heaven are her husband, Art, and son, Gerald. She was also preceded in death by her parents Henry and Adela Mendel, brother Alton, sisters Estelle and Evelyn, brother-in-law Billy, and sister-in-law Doris Mendel.

Eleanora is survived by her brother George Mendel, children Mark Hoffman and Donna O’Connor (Joe), daughter-in-law Patty Hoffman, and eight grandchildren – Gerald Hoffman Jr. (Ashley), Melyssa Rowland (Bryan), Jason Hoffman (Samantha), Trey Kelley, Kayla Tyroch (Danny), Bernadette Jackson (Keith), Dustin Hoffman (Sarah), and Rachel Pierantozzi (Paul). Her latest snuggles came from her nine great-grandchildren – Cole, Kyle, Gerald Ill, Caroline, Kayce, Mila, Beckett, Harper and Adalynne.

A funeral Mass was held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Houston, with interment at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.