Mary Alice Hoffman (nee Wein), age 96 of LaGrange Park, IL. A retired Catholic School teacher at St. Francis Xavier School in LaGrange, IL and at Notre Dame School in Clarendon Hills, IL. Beloved wife of the late Byron V. “Barney” Hoffman, the love of her life; sister and best friend of the late Lucille Wein; daughter of the late Ed and Grace Wein. She is the loving mother of Pete (Laura) Hoffman and devoted, beloved, proud “Palsey” (grandmother) of Sara and Eve. After a long career as a primary grades teacher she retired more than 30 years ago to devote her life even further to her family, as well as travel and volunteer work (Community Partners, LaGrange Hospital and others). She saw the world and had a great time doing it. She was born in Oak Park in 1921 and spent her childhood in Berwyn and on the South Side of Chicago, living near friends and relatives, including several cousins who were like brothers to her, especially including Bob and Bud Stokes and Don Clegg. After graduation from Morton High School and Morton Junior College, she received a Bachelors of Education Degree from the National College of Education in Evanston before embarking on a long teaching career. She attended a CYO dance at what is now the Inter-Continental Hotel where her future husband, Barney, was playing in the band. After seeing her go by on the dance floor, Barney handed his clarinet to his best friend, Bill Wilson, and said “Bill, I’ll be right back.” He went down to the dance floor, cut in, and they were inseparable from that moment on. She always put others before herself, worried about everyone, and was a fantastic mother and equally awesome grandmother. She was immensely generous and believed in equality for all. She was a long time resident of Bethlehem Woods in LaGrange Park after living for many years in LaGrange and in Clarendon Hills. Family & friends will gather on Friday, Jan. 19 at St. Francis Xavier Church, (corner of Spring & Ogden Aves.,)in LaGrange for a visitation from 11am until time of Mass, 11:30am. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities of Chicago, Community Partners of LaGrange, and to the Rush University Memory and Aging Project (in which she took part for more than 12 years). Hallowell & James Funeral Home in Countryside is assisting the family with all arrangements. Info: (708) 352-6500