Orene Hoffman

Mary Orene Hoffman, 91, of Cape Girardeau died peacefully, surrounded by her family, Wednesday, May 3, 2017, in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Aug. 19, 1925, in Fancy Farm, Kentucky, to Thomas Orion and Lillie Jane Logsdon Ballard. She and Jerome Francis Hoffman were married Sept. 26, 1942, at St. Mary's Cathedral in Cape Girardeau. He preceded her in death Sept. 11, 1989.

Orene worked as a nurse's aide for 25 years at both the Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, beginning at age 15.

She was a member of St. Mary's Cathedral and the Ladies Sodality at the church. She also volunteered at Birthright.

She loved flower gardening, especially her roses.

Survivors include four sons, Ken (Karen) Hoffman of Cape Girardeau, Joe (Dollie) Hoffman of Jackson, Bob Hoffman of Cape Girardeau and Jim (Kim) Hoffman of Cape Girardeau; four daughters, Jane (Hugo) Lang of Paducah, Kentucky, Margie (Don) Reece of Olathe, Kansas, Rebecca (Richard) Essner of Cape Girardeau and Cathy (Rick) Fehr of Cape Girardeau; two daughters-in-law, Jackie (Jerry, deceased) Hoffman and Debbie (Martin, deceased) Hoffman, both of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Donna Thomas of Mayfield, Kentucky; two brothers, David and Ray Ballard of Fancy Farm; 32 grandchildren; 80 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sons, Jerry and Martin Hoffman; and seven siblings.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m., with Knights of Columbus rosary immediately following.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Mary's Cathedral in Cape Girardeau, with the Rev. Allan Saunders officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.