Ilene Wilder-Hoffman

August 17, 1924 to March 26, 2017.  Her parents were Max and Florence Kelley.   She graduated BHHS class of 1942.  She married Raymond J. Wilder on August 29,1942.  They had 4 children – Steve (Char) Wilder [Grandchildren: Jori and Steve], Tom (Erika) Wilder [G:  Allen, Brian and Nick], Rodney (Sylvia) Wilder [G: Erica, Heidi and Zach], and Karen (Mike) Kasischke [G: Kelley].  Plus 15 Great Grandchildren.  Raymond (1986) and Tom (2012) predeceased Mom. Ilene was our compass.  She was warm and comforting.  She had a wonderful smile, she loved to laugh.  She was always there, always listened, always helped – no need to ask.  She gave herself completely to her family.  We were blessed to call her Mom and Grandma. ‘Leenie’ was always ‘well turned out’.  She had beautiful white hair – she would add in the perfect outfit and jewelry and she was ready to go.  And she did go and get things done – with a lead foot in her ‘boat’ of a car.  She loved to plan events – parties (loved to dance), holidays, weddings, and fundraisers. She managed the house, her family, and a cottage — she could do a mean budget that made it all possible.  She was a stay at home Mom that was always involved – room mother, PTA, stage mom, concession stand for every sport, carnivals, church rummage, pecan and cookbook sales.  In later years she volunteered at the hospital café.  She loved to decorate her house(s), quilt, hook rugs, and bake.  She was a long time member of the Methodist church. She cherished her long time lady friends and family – those who predeceased her – Sis Machemer, Helen Fredman, Jean Tokarz and especially Betty Froberg.  And those that survive – Pat Brown, Bess Miller, Jeanette Bauer, and family – Aunt Irene, Aunt Joyce and Aunt Martha. She was also married to Sam Galati, who predeceased her in 1991.  Mom married Jack Hoffman on February 15, 2013, he survives.  Our family would like to thank Jack for the love, care and companionship that he gave to Mom in the years that they were together.  It was very special. Visitation will be held at at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, on Saturday, April 8, 2017 from 4pm to 7pm.  Burial will be a private family service.  Memorials may be made in Ilene’s memory to the Berrien County Shrine Club.