Lasting Memories

Shirley F. Hoff
1929-July 26, 2006
Watsonville, California

Shirley F. Hoff died July 26 at the home of her daughter, Linda Hoff-Siegel, in Watsonville. Ms. Hoff, a longtime Atherton resident before moving to Watsonville six years ago, was 77.

Ms. Hoff was a former nurse and the mother of six children. She was the widow of Dr. John E. Hoff, a well-known Redwood City doctor who delivered 10,000 babies, mostly at Sequoia Hospital, during his career. Dr. Hoff died in 1998. Two of her sons, John and Gary, carry on the family medical practice of obstetrics and gynecology with the Hoff Medical Group in Redwood City. Another son, Martin, is an oral surgeon in Redwood City.

Ms. Hoff was born in San Francisco and graduated with a degree in nursing from St. Mary's College. She was head nurse at St. Mary's Medical Center in San Francisco when she met her future husband, who was a young physician at the hospital. They were married in 1951 and moved to San Antonio, Texas, while Dr. Hoff was in the U.S. Air Force. They returned to Redwood City to start Dr. Hoff's medical practice. Ms. Hoff retired from nursing to raise her family.

A dedicated mother, she was continually involved in the education and development of her children, say family members. She enjoyed singing, playing bridge, working on her computer, participating in Elderhostel and practicing tai chi with her late husband.

She is survived by her six children: Dr. John D. Hoff of Atherton, Dr. Michael P. Hoff of Dalton, Georgia, Dr. Gary A. Hoff of San Carlos, Dr. Martin J. Hoff of Half Moon Bay, Linda M. Hoff-Siegel of Watsonville, and Charles C. Hoff of San Diego; and 10 grandchildren.