Joyce Hofman ’54 McHugh

Joyce Hofman McHugh, age 87, passed from this life on Monday, December 2nd, 2019 at her home in Grand Rapids after a short illness. She was the daughter of the late Carl and Harriet Hofman and the wife of the late John McHugh. Joyce attended Lee High School in Wyoming, Michigan and graduated from Hope College, Holland, Michigan.

She taught in the public schools in Pontiac, Michigan for several years before joining the Peace Corp in 1962 and serving at a remote school in North Borneo (now known as the Malaysian state of Sabah). For several years after returning to Grand Rapids, worked as Director of Student Affairs at Grand Rapids Junior College (now GRCC) and was also in charge of Adult Education. She married John McHugh after retirement in 1987, and they resided in Waterford, MI. There, she dabbled in flower arrangement and real estate before she and John moved back to Grand Rapids and began to savor their annual Spring and Fall stays at the Maine coast, which she continued after John’s death in 2005. In recent years, Joyce volunteered at the Holland Home, visiting with and feeding patients. Wherever she went, her warm personality drew people to her.

Joyce is survived by her step-children, Anne Aldrich of Clarkston, MI; Terry Conger and husband, Larry, of Clarkston, MI.; Cindy McHugh Colpack and husband, Arthur, of Boston, MA; John McHugh of Slidell, LA. She is also survived by her brother, Wendell Hofman, and wife, Karen, of Augusta, GA and their daughters; Stephanie Smith, Stacy Jaskwhich and Shanna McBride. She will be missed by all who knew her including many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and cousins who were a great joy to her and an important part of her life. Relatives and friends alike will cherish her memory for her cordial hospitality, engaging chats, and wise counsel. Her door was always open, and one needed a reservation for her guest bedroom. Joyce always had furry friends. Her latest, Ginger, will miss her company, her lap, and the abundant treats.