Dear Members of the Excelsior German Center,
It is with a heavy heart that I am writing you as I must pass along sad news that our Vice-President, board member and friend, Marie Hoffmann, passed away last night.
As you all know, Marie was a tireless contributor to many German organizations throughout the Bay Area. She worked in both leadership and contributor roles within the Excelsior German Center (and Altenheim Association), the Pacific Saengerbund, the Richmond Choir, the German-American Heritage Museum and effort to fundraise a German Cultural Center. She consistently demonstrated commitment to encouraging awareness of German history and culture. When disagreements or debate ensued around her, she was quick to encourage unity of thought and the best outcome for all involved. Even when presented with new ideas and concepts, she was open to considering differing views.
Fellow volunteer efforts were always acknowledged as she valued everyone who devoted time and effort to the groups within which she was involved. Marie also was a catalyst in championing the ongoing continuation of the Radio program and enlisting board support along with motivating my own return to broadcast radio in order to maintain and evolve the music programming that Bay area German listeners and EGC members had come to rely upon.
All of us will internalize the news of her passing in our own unique way. For myself, I will reflect on the experience of knowing Marie, working with her over the years, and the impact she made on me – as a fellow board member, radio show cohost, and as a friend personally. For that interaction, I will always be thankful and look to the rewards she gave me as a blessing in my own growth during life’s ongoing journey.
The family will be having a private memorial service with a Life Celebration event to be scheduled in the beginning of 2019. Details will be announced in advance as they become available. Please join the board and me in offering your prayers and best wishes to Marie’s surviving husband Al and their children, George, Betty and Karen.
With sadness and in fond memory,
Anthony J Schaller
President