Josephine Hoffman, age 92, passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2006, at Skagit Valley Hospital. She was born on June 7, 1913, in Seattle and lived most of her life on the family farm in Big Lake. She attended Big Lake Elementary School and graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School. Josephine married Chester Hoffman on June 7, 1936. They lived in Snoqualmie for eight years and returned to Big Lake where they settled and raised their four children. Josephine was a charter member of the Big Lake Community Church where she served as Sunday School Teacher, Missions President, Board member, pianist, and in any capacity needed. For many years she hosted and taught Good News Club to children in the Big Lake area. Loving the Word of God, Josephine often read through the Bible four or more times each year. Josephine had a keen interest in history and gathered Big Lake and Montborne historical information, which was used in three different Skagit County historical publications. Her collection was one of the key elements that led to the formation of the Big Lake Historical Society. Josephine also loved flowers and at one time had a collection of dahlias and glads that numbered in the hundreds. In her later years she enjoyed growing roses and fuchsias. Josephine is survived by her husband of 69 years, Chester, and her four children: daughter and son-in-law, Melba and Carlos Hall; daughter, Norma Everett; son and daughter-in-law, Phil and Barbara Hoffman; and son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Shelley Hoffman all from Big Lake. Josephine's extended family includes 17 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 8 great, great grandchildren; and close friends, Chikita and Tim McGarrah.. Her devotion to family and her strong Christian example left a legacy that will be treasured forever. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Foss and Ingaborg Foss Barringer; her stepfather, James Barringer; son-in-law, Jim Everett; and great granddaughter, Julie Bates. Thank you to the many dedicated care givers who took care of Josephine at The Life Care Center in Mount Vernon and at Skagit Valley Hospital. She will be remembered for her sweet smile by those who cared for her. Viewing will be held Friday, May 5, from 2 until 5 p.m. and on Saturday, May 6, from 10 a.m. until the Graveside Service at 11 a.m. at Hawthorne Funeral Home and Memorial Park. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 6, at 1 p.m. at the Big Lake Community Church of the Nazarene. Memorial donations may be made to the Big Lake Community Church of the Nazarene (23684 DaLacy Lane, Mount Vernon, WA 98274) to provide financial support for street children in Madagascar, a cause for which Josephine was passionate and supported for many years.