Supercentenarian Profile

Alice Hoffs

Born:

1902-02-25

Hamilton, Michigan

United States

Died:

2012-10-31

Kalamazoo, Michigan

United States

Alice Mae Hoffs (née Brower) was an American supercentenarian.

BIOGRAPHY

Alice Hoffs was born in Hamilton, Michigan, USA, on 25 February 1902, to parents Herman Brower (1863–1954) and Alice Klomparens (1866–1946). She had at least five siblings: Gerald Marvin Brower (1894–1978), Juliet Harriet Schutmaat (1896–1999), May Frances Brower (1897–1898), Bertha Van Zyl (1899–1998), and Heber Frances Brower (1908–1911). She graduated cum laude from Hope College in 1923 and taught school in Wayland, Michigan, for two years. During the summers, Alice worked at her father’s bank in Hamilton.

Alice married Marinus A. Hoffs on 31 March 1927, and the couple moved to Lake Odessa, Michigan, where he established his medical practice. Following Dr. Hoffs’ death in 1971, Alice enjoyed traveling with her family, visiting Israel, Greece, Turkey, Wales, England, Germany, Poland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Nassau.

Before moving to Kalamazoo, Alice served the Grand Rapids District Women’s Society, participated in her local church’s mission program, and served as the organist at Central United Methodist Church for 45 years. Second only to her love of music was her interest in books. She was also active in the civic life of Lake Odessa and helped organize a community ambulance service. In 1975, Alice moved to Friendship Village in Kalamazoo, where she served on various committees and as treasurer of the Resident Council. She also contributed to the Music Committee at Friendship Village.

Alice Hoffs passed away in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on 31 October 2012, at the age of 110 years, 249 days. She was survived by her daughters, Louise Peppel, Carole Bos, and Jayne Cummings, as well as seven grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.