Maryellen Denise (Peterson) Nifong, Hoffman

Maryellen Denise Peterson Nifong Hoffman, age 84 years, died October 9th, 2022 at home in Edwardsville, IL surrounded by family.

Maryellen was born December 15th, 1937 in San Francisco, California to George W and Dorothy Mae Daly Peterson. She graduated from Mercy High School in San Francisco and earned an Associate Degree from Lincoln Land Community College.

After high school she worked as a stewardess for American Airlines in Chicago, IL where she met her first husband Robert (Bob) L. Nifong. They married in 1960 and started their family. At that time Bob was traveling extensively with his job so they made the decision to relocate to Indianapolis, IN where they lived for 14 years. They had four more children. Maryellen was a stay-at-home mom to five young children.

In 1975 they decided to buy the family business Hall Sims Oil Company in Palmyra, IL renaming it Nifong Fuel and Supply. Maryellen supported her husband by helping out in the office. Eventually, she went to work for the Northwestern News and became a proficient writer and photographer. She retired in 2002 as an administrative assistant for the State of Illinois in the Department of Human Services. Maryellen and Bob divorced after 25+ years of marriage. She then married Roger Hoffman and enjoyed 5 years of marriage until his passing. Together, they enjoyed playing golf, bridge, and traveling.

Maryellen’s heart forever belonged in San Francisco. She remained close to all of her California family throughout her life. Maryellen will be remembered for her devotion and love to her family as they were her greatest blessing. Her passion was her children and grandchildren. She was thrilled to finally have her great grandchild.

She is survived by her ex-husband Bob Nifong; her children, Nancy (Chris) Schroeder, Christopher (Heather) Nifong, Patricia (Dan Toner) Tilton, Valerie Patterson, and Victoria Jackson. Her grandchildren Emily (Ian) Drury, Timothy (Ashley) Tilton, Jack Ducato, Stephen (Julia) Schroeder, Clare Schroeder, Sarah Schroeder, Lucy Nifong, Alice Nifong, Grant Patterson, Pete Patterson, Henry Patterson, Lane Jackson, Luke Jackson; great granddaughter Rowan Eleanor Tilton. Her sister Joni Martin of Dallas, TX and her beloved cousins Joey Morena, Susie Morena, Katy Daly Kelly, and Betsy Daly Caffell of California, many nieces and nephews and cherished friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Roger Hoffman, brother George Peterson, cousins Danny Daly and Maureen Hartman, and beloved Uncle Jack.

Mass of Christian burial will be October 22nd, 2022 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Greenfield, IL at 10:00AM. A visitation will be held from 9 am until time of mass. Her final resting place will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Palmyra, IL. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association, and can be mailed to the Shields-Bishop funeral home, 604 Walnut Street, Greenfield, IL. 62044.  Please leave a condolence or memory at shields-bishopfh.com

“A life well lived is a precious gift, of hope and strength and grace. It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad, with smiles and sometimes tears. With friendships formed and good times shared, and laughter throughout the years. A life well lived is a legacy of joy and pride and pleasure, a living, lasting memory our grateful hearts will treasure.”

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