Elizabeth H. Martin

Elizabeth "B.J." (Hoffman) Martin, of Charlestown Township, died peacefully in her home on Tuesday, November 17, 2015, while surrounded and embraced by family and friends. Born on May 22, 1941 in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late I. Leo and Mabel (Daniel) Hoffman, both of whom she reported seeing leading up to her passing, an experience she described as "wonderful". Before being welcomed into the arms of God and reunited with her parents, BJ lead a life on earth filled with love, family, and adventure. Although she was born and raised in West Philadelphia, she loved the country life she experienced at her family's farm in Warrenton, North Carolina. She had fond memories riding her horse, Princess, and shooting rifles with her brother Vic, sister Marion, and many cousins. When she moved to Philadelphia after graduating from Pennsylvania State University, BJ met husband John C. Martin, Jr., and with him began to rapidly expand her family. BJ accepted John's current children, Kevin and Jennifer, as her own, and exemplified to them her qualities of love, compassion, humor, and understanding. That love having no bounds, she later upped the ante with John and had 2 more children, Jared and Allison. The elder took her on spiritual journeys; the younger took her shark-diving. For over 40 years, BJ and John solidified the family through summer vacations, holiday gatherings, and numerous adventures. Her children have fond memories of annual summer vacations in Martha's Vineyard and the Outer Banks, as well as Thanksgiving dinners with extended family. Their family adventures included camping, ski trips, road trips, scuba diving, amusement parks, travels out west, and excursions to Australia and Eastern Europe. When it came time for the children to leave the nest, BJ found new ways to bestow her matriarchal qualities. With her dear friend Lynne Eisenstadt, she lead a women's bike group that, besides local outings, took trips to places such as the Eastern Shore, Mt. Vernon, and even an excursion from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC. Exemplifying her love of the outdoors, she continued through her 70s to enjoy cross country skiing, snow shoeing, kayaking, camping, and hiking. BJ was very active in her Church, St. Peter's Pikeland United Church of Christ, where her bible study group called her "an inspiration". She also sung and was very active in the Church choir (though, she later admitted, "sometimes I just mouthed the words"). Her professional accomplishments mirrored her values: she was a teacher at Charlestown Elementary School, a family therapist, and co-owner of Kimberton Whole Foods. To further her career she obtained a Master's degree in Education from West Chester University, and a Master's degree in Psychotherapy from Villanova University. Those who knew her expect she is now brightening Heaven like she brightened the Earth, her spirit traveling places she could never know on Earth; and under God's Love and Grace, further experiencing the mystery of it all. Seeking to live up to the example she set in life are her beloved husband John C. Martin, Jr.; devoted children Jared Martin and wife Zhanna, of Media, PA; Allison Martin of West Chester, PA; Kevin Martin and wife Wendy, of Clifton, VA; Jennifer Frank and husband Scott, of Pownal, ME; and eight grandchildren: Tyler, Kaylie, Benjamin, Owen, Milena, Eliya, Lucas, and Sydney. Graced to have known her love and compassion even longer are sister Marion Hoffman and husband George Forman, with son Jed Forman, of Amherst, MA; and brother Victor Hoffman of Elon, North Carolina. And hoping he still gets fed, is loving dog Kody. The family extends its heartfelt thanks to caregivers Thea and Ania, who provided endless love and support to BJ and gave her strength in the final months of her journey. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her memorial service at 11:00am on Tuesday, November 24, 2015, at St. Peter's Pikeland United Church of Christ, 1193 Clover Mill Road, Chester Springs, PA 19425. Prior to the service, Visitation will be held at the Church from 9:30am - 11:00am, and the family will receive all those who wish to pay their respects. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Choir of St. Peter's Pikeland UCC at the address above. Condolences may be offered online by visiting www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville, PA.

Elizabeth H. Martin

May 22, 1941 - November 17, 2015