Eileen M Hoefling

Eileen Marie Hoefling died peacefully at home in Columbus, NJ, surrounded by her cherished family, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease on February 19, 2024, at the age of 77 years. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 54 years, John Felix Hoefling, her son John Felix Hoefling, Jr., her daughters Jennifer Cascarelli, Elizabeth Finn, and Patricia Tuman, and their respective spouses, Anthony Cascarelli, Tyler Finn, and Jack Tuman, as well as her five grandchildren, Noelle Cascarelli, Nate and Carson Finn, and Julia and Jack Jr Tuman, by her brother Father Joseph Pearce, her cousin Ellen Costa, and her extended family and friends. Born in Staten Island, NY on February 21, 1946, to Bert and Joan (Maude) Pearce, Eileen grew up in Rosedale, NY with her parents and four siblings, George, Chris, Marian, and Joe. After graduating high school, she entered the Congregation of the Infant Jesus in Rockville Centre, NY for a few years, and later went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Newark State Teachers College, graduating valedictorian of her class. She met her adoring husband, John, in New Brunswick, NJ, and they were married on a snowy Valentine’s Day on February 14, 1970. Together, they lived on their dairy farm in Columbus, NJ, and Eileen taught third grade for three years before being blessed with a family. Once her children were in school, Eileen furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Art in Theological and Pastoral Studies from La Salle University, and a Doctorate of Ministry from the Graduate Theological Foundation. She worked as the Director of Religious Education at St Andrew’s Parish in Jobstown, NJ, Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Maple Shade, NJ, at the Diocese of Trenton, and finally at Sacred Heart in Mount Holly, NJ before retiring in her 60’s. In addition to being a loving and doting wife, mother, and grandmother, Eileen was a talented seamstress and quilter who organized a 4H sewing club to spread her love of stitching. She was an excellent cook and hosted many family dinners, parties, and holidays on the farm. As a farmwife, she was a strong advocate for open-space agriculture and sometimes helped John in the fields driving the tractor. In her later years, she enjoyed reading, sewing, walking, watching Hallmark movies, and checking adventures off of her “bucket list”, including parasailing, hot air ballooning, and glacier exploration. She created wonderful memories traveling with family and friends. She enjoyed family time during summers, making and eating ice cream and eating sandwiches on the beach in Ocean City, NJ. Eileen led a God-centered life, and her devotion to God, her family, and prayer was unwavering. She modeled the virtues of patience, forgiveness, and gratitude, and prioritized the well-being and happiness of her family. She recognized the importance of family as a gift and responsibility from God. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Anne Kruppa, Cindy Showalter, and Samaritan Hospice for the kindness, support, and care shown to Eileen during her illness. Eileen, Mom, Grandma, Hoefee - We are blessed to have had you in our lives and we thank God for giving you to us. The world was a better place with you in it. Your elevator has opened: go enjoy the fabulous party, until we meet again. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eileen’s name to the Society of St. Vincent De Paul, 260 High Street, Mt. Holly, NJ 08060, or Samaritan Hospice https://www.samaritannj.org/ giving/donate-now/ Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Monday at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Church, 260 High St., Mount Holly. Relatives and Friends may visit with the family on Sunday from 4-6pm at the Perinchief Chapels, 438 High St. Mount Holly and on Monday from 9:30 - 10:45 am at the Sacred Heart Church. The livestream of her Mass may be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnYBHcAu6Qw Watch her tribute video here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/Z5GRF29GNWKK9J5W

Eileen M Hoefling

February 21, 1946 - February 19, 2024