Janice Van Boxtaele Hoffman, 73

Janice Van Boxtaele Hoffman, born Oct. 31, 1950, in Chicago, died Dec. 30, 2023, in Woodstock. Jan Hoffman passed at her home from complications of muscular dystrophy with her husband, Tom, by her side.

Jan Van Boxtaele was born in Chicago, the daughter of Charles and Elvira Brooks Van Boxtaele. Early in Jan’s life she was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Even when the disease would eventually rob her of the ability to walk and care for herself, it never took away her desire to live her life to the fullest.

Jan graduated from Palatine High School in 1968. She worked at a couple of different businesses in the suburbs before landing at the Woodstock Wire Works, where she worked for 27 years. On July 19, 1975, she married Thomas Hoffman at St. John United Methodist Church in Palatine.

Jan was a huge admirer of music and the arts. She and Tom attended so many concerts and shows, from “The Phantom of the Opera,” Paul McCartney, to Robin Williams and Kiss, and so many more too numerous to mention.

She was a passionate sports fan for the Chicago Blackhawks and Bulls, and a crazy super fan of the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers. She enjoyed the Packer rivalry with her Bears fan friends, always a gracious winner of friendly bets. Jan was passionate about many things in addition to music. She loved to travel, covering 27 countries and 36 states.

When Jan wasn’t traveling or at a show, she was involved with local things. She served on the advisory board for the city of Woodstock for ADA compliance. She was also part of the staff for the Rockford MDA summer camp for 12 years. Jan was also an ardent animal lover, primarily dogs. First she raised champion bearded collies. Then she transitioned to her beloved rescues.

Jan is survived by her husband, Tom; niece, Kelly Farrell; great-niece, Leah Farrell; cousins, David Van Boxtaele and Linda (Gary) Davis; brother-in-law, John Hoffman; sister-in-law, Deb Hoffman; nephews, Christopher (Holly) Hoffman and Scott Hoffman; great-niece and -nephew, Heather and Kevin Hoffman; great-great-nephew, Grayson Hoffman; and many dear friends who Jan’s life touched.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister-in-law, Lori Hoffman; and brother-in-law, Jeff Hoffman.

A celebration of life will be at a later date.

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite animal rescue.