Karen Hoffman

Karen Anitra Hoffman, age 81, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2024 in La Mesa, California surrounded by her immediate family. She was born in 1942 to Bryce and Pauline Kyburz in San Diego, California and is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Russell Hoffman as well as her three children: Vicki Hoffman (husband Richard Millican), Daniel Hoffman (wife Kristin Hoffman) and Robert Hoffman and grandchildren: Zachary Webster, Ashley Webster and Gentry (Hoffman) Ryan, and great grandchild, Zander Webster-Bridges. Karen and Russell met in a most unusual place, Saipan, a small island located in the western Pacific Ocean where both Karen’s father and Russell were stationed in the United States Navy. After returning to San Diego, Karen and Russell were married on October 1, 1960. Karen is remembered for her devotion as a mother, grandmother, school volunteer, and homemaker. As a young grandmother, Karen, along with her husband Russ, played an outsized role nurturing (and spoiling) her grandkids. Her hobbies included playing tennis, cooking, genealogy, bridge, sewing, and most importantly, gardening. Her garden was and still is a spectacular testament to her love of all things green and her creative, sometimes, quirky sense of style. Her backyard is a full acre of plants and paths and beauty. She was twice selected to be on the Friends of East County Arts Garden Tour (2008 and 2014) and her garden was featured in Better Homes and Garden Magazine, April 2005 edition. A walk through Karen’s yard is a walk with Karen. Karen was known for her easy going nature and happy attitude towards life. She didn’t rock the boat much, as long as she got her breakfast, lunch and dinner on time and of course, her glass of white wine. We toast you now –– Karen, Mom and Grandma. We love you forever and may you be in your forever garden. We will miss you always. The family wants to thank all of the staff at Grossmont Gardens Memory Care and the Medical staff from Kaiser Hospice that cared for Karen during the last few months of her life. They provided sensitivity and guidance for Karen’s loved ones during this most difficult time period and most importantly, loving and gentle support for Karen. A small family ceremony will be held at Miramar National Cemetery in the near future. A celebration of life will be held in memory of Karen on Monday, April 22 at Bonita Golf Course at 11:30 am. For additional information, please contact a family member.

Karen Hoffman

August 14, 1942 - March 8, 2024