MARBLEHEAD - MARBLEHEAD - Jill Thompson Hoffman passed away peacefully at home in Marblehead on September 24, 2025, at the age of 95. Born August 2, 1930, in Fresno, California, Jill was the only child of M. Faye and William H. Thompson. She grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut, where her love of art and beauty began early and never left her. After studying at Hartford Junior College and the Rhode Island School of Design, Jill worked as a draftsperson in the emerging field of aeronautical engineering at Boeing and Armour Research before moving to Boston.

A chance visit to an MIT lab led to a job offer and, soon after, to meeting her future husband, Thomas E. Hoffman. Their courtship was filled with fun and adventure—driving to ski at Cannon Mountain in Tom's unheated Austin Healey and sailing out of Marblehead Harbor on a classic Alden sailboat. They married in 1956 in Sugar Hill, New Hampshire, and built a life in Marblehead, restoring an antique home and creating spaces full of charm and character. She and Tom also designed and hand-built a ski house in Franconia, NH, where Jill famously hammered nails on the roof while pregnant with their only child.

Jill was a devoted mother and later a loving grandmother. She was known for her grace and creativity—an elegant skier, passionate gardener, joyful swimmer, and accomplished painter who studied with noted Cape Ann artists. Later in life, she traveled on ski vacations to Europe and created a winter escape in Tubac, AZ, during retirement. Friends remember her for her effortless style, warmth, and her love of beauty and the natural world.

She leaves behind her daughter, Betsy S. Hoffman, and grandsons William T. Hundahl and Hansen W. Hundahl, all of Marblehead, along with her beloved cat, Snowflake.

A private celebration of life will be held. Donations may be made to Care Dimensions Hospice Care or the Marblehead Museum. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for Jill's family.