Janice Hoffman

Janice Renae Hoffman

64, of Clayton, Missouri, died on August 6, 2020. She was born on October 6, 1955 in Greenville, Illinois to Edward and Delilah Hoffman.
She is survived by her loving wife of 44 years, Gail Lynn Elble. They lived in Clayton, MO for 25 years and also in Briny Breezes, FL since 2012.
After graduating from Marquette High School in Alton, Illinois in 1973, she attended SIU-E, to receive her BS.Ed and MS.Ed. Jan went on to start the first special education program at Lutheran South High School before moving to the  Special School District.
After her wonderful career in education, she started a new chapter in her life by going into business with her wife, Gail.
Jan and Gail started dating in 1976 and the rest is history! Together they were like one.  “Jan and Gail” seemed like one word.  You didn’t say or hear one with out the other.
Jan was one of the most creative people and found thousands of ways to use her creativity and talent, mostly for the benefit of others. Wood turning, knotting, sewing, quilting, stained glass, designing, and many other crafts. She also enjoyed collecting and sharing all sorts of bourbon with her friends! In the last few years, she branched out to television production as she served as the President and Anchor of BBC-8, the in-house television studio for Briny Breezes, Florida.
Using her talents to bless others, most recently Jan made over 150 masks for friends, family and medical professionals during Covid-19.
While she had many passions, travel was always a part of Jan’s daily life. In every moment of her life, she was either unpacking from a trip, on a trip, or planning the next one.  Sometimes all of those could happen in the same week!  Gail and Jan enjoyed traveling the world on countless “once in a lifetime” experiences and sharing those experiences with her friends were among her greatest joys.
Jan always had a heart for politics and worked tirelessly to help elect and support leaders who shared her compassion and ideals. She served as a Clinton delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
Jan was the bright light in any day.  She led with her wonderful smile, which gave you an idea of the beautiful person you were about to meet.  Jan was passionate about everything she did, be it working in a television studio, cleaning a woodworking shop, creating a quilt or simply enjoying time with friends and family, spending time in her pool or on the beach and most importantly…..sharing just regular ole time with Gail and her wonderful Cooper.
Jan defined the term Good Person. Her doctors called her the bravest and strongest patient they had ever worked with.  She struggled with three different cancers over 25 years with her smile, compassion, humility and as she would say "pulling up her big girl pants” to beat it.   She comforted all us through our tears with a hug and a smile. She never complained or said a cross word.  Jan will be greatly missed, but she will remain in our hearts and lives through the many gifts of love and friendship she selflessly gave.
In lieu of flowers, you’re welcome to give to Briny Breezes BBC-8 Studio or Hobby Club or to Epworth Children and Family Services in Webster Groves, MO.
Checks for Briny Breezes can be sent to Diane Arnold, Treasurer, at N207 Flamingo, Briny Breezes, Fl 33435. (Payable to BBC8 or Hobby Club.)
Checks for Epworth can be sent to Andy Waggoner, Board Member, at 1566 Charlemont, Chesterfield, MO 63017 (Payable to Epworth)