Barbara Kelsey Hoffman

Barbara Kelsey Hoffman of West Hartford, Connecticut, age 90, passed away on May 5th, 2025 after a short illness. She was the widow of her beloved husband of 38 years, Thomas Albert Hoffman. Barbara was born on March 27th, 1935 to the late John P. Kelsey Jr. and Lavina M. (Cantore) Kelsey. She was well-known in the early days of Schenectady, New York, broadcasting from radio station WGY and television station WRGB. She also danced for several years with the ballet troupe of Phyllis Marmein. In 1953 she graduated from Nott Terrace High School in Schenectady and went on to receive her BA from Syracuse University majoring in English Education. She was an active member of Phi Mu Sorority. She was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in West Hartford and was very active each year with the Christmas Festival. She was also a member of the needlepoint group which created the kneelers for the St. John’s altar. Barbara is survived by her son Derek James Hoffman, daughter Heidi Hoffman Gostyla and her husband Jefferey F. Gostyla, and grandson Troy T. Gostyla, all of West Hartford. Alongside her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her son John Kelsey Hoffman and her brother-in-law Robert James Hoffman, who is survived by his wife Elizabeth. She also leaves behind two nieces, a nephew, and many loving family members and friends. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers at The Residence at Brookside, where Barbara most recently resided, for the love and companionship they provided to her. Family and friends are welcome to attend calling hours on Thursday, May 8th from 5-7pm at Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. A Mass celebrating Barbara’s life will be held Friday, May 9th at 11am at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 679 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. Burial will follow on Saturday, May 10th in Parkview Cemetery, 40 Fehr Ave, Schenectady, NY. The burial will begin at 11am but attendees are encouraged to meet at the front gates of the cemetery at 10:45am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 679 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, CT 06119.

Barbara Kelsey Hoffman

March 27, 1935 - May 5, 2025