Debra "Deb" Hoffman

Debra Lynn “Deb” Hoffman, 74, of Traverse City, entered into eternal life, Monday, October 6, 2025. She was born on August 3, 1951, in Mansfield, Ohio, the daughter of Thomas Marvin and Margaret Ellen (Lemley) Gilbert.

She was a graduate of Kearsley High School (Flint, MI) class of 1969. Deb had a Day Care in her home while she raised her children. Deb previously worked at the JCPenney, East Michigan Eye Center in Flint, along with Nugent’s Hallmark in Traverse City. Her most recent employment was at Children Community Center of Mission Hill Church.

Deb’s passion was caring for children. She also loved baking, shopping, and decorating her home with a coastal theme. Christmas was her most favorite holiday to decorate for. She was a foodie and wine lover with seafood and local wineries being her favorite.

Deb loved to travel. Her favorite trip with her husband, Jim, was to Kennebunkport, Maine where they took a boat tour and learned about Lobster trapping.

Deb is survived by her husband, James Stanley Hoffman; they were high school sweethearts and married on June 6, 1970 in Flint; children, Christopher (Mileah) Hoffman, Nicole (Scot) Hoffman and Stephanie (Ken) Peltier; grandchildren, Austin, Serenity, LeBlanc, Conner, Leah, Grant, Ambrielle, Isabell and Tyler; siblings, Shelley (Jordan) Tuttle, Eric (Val) Gilbert, and Denise (Jeff) Gilbert; nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Margaret, father and mother-in-law, Glenn and Elizabeth Hoffman; brother-in-law, Glenn T. Hoffman; niece, Christina Curtis, and step- grandson, Skyler Cameron.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Children’s Community Center at Mission Hill Church, Traverse City.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Life Story Funeral Home. The service will start at 3:00pm.

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