Katharine W. Hoffman
Of Lake Barrington

Katharine W. Hoffman, long-time resident of Arlington Heights, was born September 13, 1954 in Ocala, FL to Randolph St. George and Eleanor Hummel Walker. She died suddenly Thursday, March 24, 2011.

Kathy grew up on Long Island, NY. As a young girl, she learned to play the piano, was a disciplined student and always wanted to become a teacher. She attended the University of Miami (FL) where she soon met Dick, the love of her life. After graduating in 1976, the two married and lived in Florida where Kathy taught middle school math.

Kathy and Dick moved to Arlington Heights in 1979 and raised two sons, Mike (born May 3, 1982) and Steve (born Aug. 5, 1984), with unfading love and support. Kathy inspired Steve to play the piano, challenged Mike on the golf course and was Dick’s “Admiral” when boating on Lake Michigan.

Kathy loved to teach. From teaching her stuffed animals to read and write as a little girl to earning “Teacher of the Year” at Safety Harbor Middle School, one of Kathy’s driving passions in life was helping kids learn. She also loved music. She enjoyed musical theater, her iPod playlists and most of all, the feelings she found when playing her piano.

Kathy was a vibrant person, affecting many lives with her razor-sharp intelligence and wit, selfless caring and interest for others, and general love for life. The thoughtful insights she shared were always grounded with her sense of humor and provided a foundation to the lives of her family and many friends. She was humble, and she was a true friend.

Kathy is survived by her husband of 35 years, Dick, and her two sons, Mike (28) and Steve (26). She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Duffy Walker.

A celebration of Kathy's life will be held on Saturday, April 30th from 3:00 to 6:30PM, at Wynstone Golf Club (One S. Wynstone Dr., North Barrington, IL 60010, www.Wynstone.org ).

Memorial contributions may be given to Little Kids Rock ( www.littlekidsrock.org )  or call (973)-746-8248 x116) – supporting Kathy’s passion for education and music.

Glueckert Funeral Home