Celebrating Jean Hoffmann

(City of Waterloo Senior of the Year 2019)

Jean was born on a farm in Washington, Ontario, in 1936. She shared 41 beautiful years of marriage with her husband, travel partner and best friend. As a passionate and devoted teacher, she spent 34 years teaching grades two to seven with the Waterloo Region District School Board. After losing her husband and retiring, she found it hard adjusting to living alone, until someone suggested she try a volunteer job. The loneliness was filled with being of service and giving back to her community. Some activities she was already doing, but not formally, so expanding those efforts came very naturally to her.

“They are bringing me kits tomorrow for eight more gowns so I will be able to reach the 100 mark very soon! I was so glad to help and it has kept me busy at this dreadful time.”

What volunteer experiences are you most passionate about in your life?

“I help in the preparation and serving of meals at Silver Spoons and serve a dinner once a month for the Canadian Council for the Blind…

“At Schneider Haus in Kitchener, I work with children and families in various programs. I help show people around the community and help with special events as well…

“I work with the gardening team at Waterloo Hospice and am involved in pastoral care through First United Church…

“I enjoy working with all different age groups in these activities. It gives me something to do and I get to meet new people all the time.”

What aspects of serving your community and giving back are most important to you? What motivates you to help in these ways?

“Working at these different venues gives me a sense of satisfaction…

“Serving is a hobby and a new career that I enjoy having.”

What is something most people in your life would not know about you?

“I am a sports fan who enjoys the Blue Jays, as well as curling and tennis…

“I teach young girls how to sew. My neighbor’s granddaughter has been my latest student – free lessons of course!”

What would you want future generations to know about these efforts? What advice would you share with them?

“Be sure to be a volunteer at some time in your life. It is extremely rewarding. It is a great way to meet people and it is wonderful to interact with all age groups. You learn a great deal…

“I have found that young people interact extremely well with older adults. You can learn so much from their lived experiences.”

What would you want people to know about the process of aging that you feel is currently misunderstood within society?

“Older adults have had lots of experience and you can learn a lot from their experiences. Many older adults have learned how to use computers and iPhones to keep up with the times…”

What aspect of your life are you most proud of?

“I am glad to have a good education and to have had a rewarding teaching career…

“I enjoy being with friends and meeting new friends. Church has been, and still is a big part of my life. Being able to travel to many parts of the world has been enjoyable and educational, and through these experiences I have met many interesting people and discovered new perspectives.”

What does age mean to you?

“Age is only a number. I am a lucky senior because I can do many things at my age.”

"The Interview Project" Featuring Jean Hoffmann