Obituary of Ethelwyn Hoffman

Ethelwyn Rae (Gourley) Hoffman, Wyn to those who knew her, passed peacefully on Sunday, November 12, 2023. She was a beloved Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, and friend to many. Wyn was born in Tacoma, WA to Dr. James & Edith Gourley. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ted Hoffman, her son, Forrest Hoffman, both her parents, and her brother Jim Gourley. Wyn is survived by her daughters: Krysia Shorten (husband, Glenn Shorten) and Allison Nelson (husband, Gary Nelson) and by her grandchildren; Daniel Huff, Cody Maheu and Caysie Huff. Wyn grew up in Tacoma, WA. She attended Clover Park High School, graduated in 1956 and then went on to the University of Washington where she graduated with a Master’s in Marine Biology in 1962. She met her beloved husband, Theodore (Ted) Hoffman in class at the UW. She was a staunch Huskies fan. Wyn married Ted on June 18, 1960 after which they finished their Masters at University of WA. She and Ted lived in Juneau, Alaska for a couple of years, where their two daughters were born, during which time they built the house at Mason Lake. She and Ted moved back to WA to the house at Mason Lake in early 1966. Later, she and Ted adopted a son, Forrest Hoffman in 1968. After the loss of her husband, Ted Hoffman, she went to work for ITT Rayonier in Shelton WA. She worked at the Marine Lab on Hood Canal as a Marine Biologist. When ITT Rayonier closed the Marine Lab, Wyn went to work for the Washington State Department of Ecology. She remained there until she retired in 2008. She was called Grandma Wyn by many kids who came to enjoy the lake with her children and grandchildren. Her cookie jar was known to always have homemade cookies in it. Wyn loved to row her rowing shell on Mason Lake. It was her happy place, and she would row as many days a year as the weather would allow. Wyn was an animal lover. She loved her dog Winston and her miniature Mediterranean Burro, Oliver. This amazing, fiercely independent lady will be sorely missed by her family and friends. In lieu of flowers, we would invite you to donate to Adopt-A-Pet in Shelton, WA in her name. A Celebration of Life is planned for some time in 2024. Date is yet to be determined.