Beverly Ann (Poisson) Hofer

Beverly Ann (Poisson) Hofer, 80

It is with the heaviest of hearts the family announces the passing of Beverly Ann (Poisson) Hofer, 80 of Fitchburg, MA. Who entered into eternal rest on Tuesday March 18, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones. 

Beverly was born in Fitchburg on August 14, 1944 the youngest of eight children to Louis P. and Mary (Huot) Poisson. Bev was predeceased by her sisters Lorraine (Roger) Couture, Lucille (Robert) Elms and Dorothy (Harry) Lamoreaux. Her brothers Donald, Douglas, Harold and Ronald (Alice) Poisson. 

Beverly is survived by her husband Donald L. Sr. and two sons Donald L. Hofer, Jr, his partner Rachael, their children Kyle and Megan Hofer and  Kyle, Brian and Ryan O’Neil. Douglas Hofer, his wife Stephanie, their children Isabelle and Camden Hofer, her daughter, Dianna Hofer and her partner Joe, several nieces and nephews, and many friends. Though her earthly presence has gone, her spirit remains with all of us who love her.

Beverly leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, laughter and cherished memories. She attended St. John’s School in West Fitchburg, and Fitchburg High School and first worked at Asher Pants in Fitchburg. As a young lady, she met a handsome soldier stationed at Fort Devens they courted for a year while they fell in love. Beverly married Donald L. Hofer on her 21st birthday in 1965 at Sacred Heart Church. Together they would have celebrated 60 years of love and devotion this August. They settled in Miramar, Florida where they lived from 1966 to 1986. There they welcomed two sons and a daughter into their family. There was nothing more important to Bev than making a loving home. She was devoted in her role as a wife, mother, aunt and the “mom” to so many neighborhood kids.  She worked as a Teacher’s Assistant at Sunshine Elementary School in Miramar and served as a Cub Scout Den Mother, Brownie Troop Leader, cheerleading, football and t-ball coach . She never missed an opportunity to be involved with her children's activities and she was a proud cheerleader at all of their sporting events, and continued to support them even in their adult leagues. 

Bev lived a life devoted to the service of others. In 1986, Bev and Don moved the family back to her roots in Fitchburg to care for her aging parents. After their passing, Bev, a true caretaker by nature, began working at Mariner Nursing Home, where she cared for the residents there with love and compassion for years until the facility closed. Following that, she worked for Life Care Center in Leominster until her retirement, where she touched the lives of so many. Upon her retirement, she cared for her ailing siblings and their spouses until their passing with the love and compassion that only a sister could. 

As her children grew and started their families, she never hesitated to help in any way that she was needed, even folding mountains of laundry. She was just so happy to be in the midst of it all. She was very involved and loved to help care for her grandchildren as well. She drove them everywhere, supported them through school, sports and anything else that they needed. She also never missed an occasion, and loved to cheer her grandchildren on at their sporting events, educational milestones and theater performances. She was their biggest fan! 

Bev was an avid New England sports fan. She loved her Red Sox and Patriots and was proud of her collection of memorabilia. 

She loved all animals and had many pets over the years. She never said no to a pet sitting gig. She always took great care of the cats and dogs that came through the doors of the family’s homes and even had a special place in her heart for Oreo the bunny and the many chickens at Doug's house - but she drew the line at the gecko. She was the best Memere’ hands down. 

She was the family historian. Oh! The stories she could tell! She was the keeper of the dates and was always prepared with greeting cards.  She shared her many gifts and talents with her family. She enjoyed crochet and needlepoint, and she was gifted with the greenest thumb we’ve ever known. She would most often be found outside in the yard with Don, tending to their many beautiful flower gardens and her numerous house plants. She appreciated a perfectly weeded garden, and passed that on to her boys. She loved sharing her knowledge of plants, and also enjoyed tending the community gardens run by her church. 

She was very active with her church. Never missing an opportunity to socialize, she found joy helping to coordinate the St. Joseph’s Christmas Craft Fair for many years. She was also a proud member of St. Vincent DePaul Cross Catholic Outreach Food Pantry. Bev spent many Sundays providing Holy Communion as a Eucharistic Minister to local homebound residents and with that also offered spiritual care for them in their times of need.  She founded St. Joseph’s Clothing Closet in 2013, located at the Madonna Holy Rosary Church in Fitchburg, providing the community with a much needed service, she loved working there and did so tirelessly until her untimely passing. As a breast cancer survivor, Bev participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, Greater Gardner, with her team “Big Heroes for Little Angels”, for almost twenty years. 

She was truly a light for so many on her long path to Heaven.    

In honor of her life of service, please love one another and participate in random acts of kindness every day. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Bev’s name to Relay for Life Greater Gardner or the Sterling Animal Shelter.

Calling hours at the funeral home are Friday evening from 6 until 8 p.m.. A funeral Mass for Bev will be on Saturday, April 5,2025 2 11a.m. in St. Joseph's Church 49 Woodland St. Fitchburg. All friends and relatives are welcome.