Nancy Louise Hoffmann Leary

“Requiescet in Pace”

On May 15, 2020, the matriarch of the Leary Clan, Nancy Louise Hoffmann Leary, slipped her mortal bonds and ascended to heaven (stopping along the way to dance upon the rings of Saturn). Greeted by all the choirs of angels, she was also welcomed by her mother, father and brother, and wrapped into the arms of her late husband Judge Peter Flanagan Leary, daughter Theresa Louise and son Timothy Flanagan.

Born on August 22, 1930 in Perrysburg, Ohio, she was the third of five children born to Harold Casper Hoffmann and Alma Lucille Craine Hoffmann. Survived by siblings Peggy Anderson of Toledo, Ohio; Patricia Kazmaier of Key Largo, Florida; Stuart Hoffmann (Cheryl) of Murphy, North Carolina. Preceded in death by her parents and brother James D. Hoffmann.

She graduated from Perrysburg High School and attended a year of college at Bowling Green State. Returning home, she opened her own knitting store called “The Yarn Shop” in a small room at the front of her Father’s store. Her entrepreneurial spirit continued when she moved to Salt Lake where she sold her famous chocolate chip cookies to hungry college students at the local hangouts next to the University of Utah campus.

Not only was she a gifted knitter, she was talented in needlepoint, cross-stitch, quilting and much like her knitting, excelled at embroidery.

She came west as a flight attendant for United Airlines, training in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and was assigned to Salt Lake City where she met her husband, Judge Peter F. Leary. Together they raised a family of 12 children in the historic family home where her husband was also raised.

Upon his death in 1984, she came into her own, demonstrating true strength, independent spirit, and insufferable . . . er, “inspirational” stubbornness – successfully getting the 5 children still under her roof through high school and on to their next adventures.

Not content with 12 biological children, in 1987 she adopted a refugee from Vietnam into her Family – Triet Vo-Leary.

In the historic house, she prepared and cooked meals for the small army that was her family and any multitude of wayfaring strangers that found their way to the dinner table. Priests, Bishops, politicians, vagabond skiers, scoundrels, misfits, military veterans, lonely students far from home, academics, musicians, artisans, theologians (we can’t recall any pirates, but stranger things have happened . . . ) all shared the comfort of her home. And, more often than not, her home was graced with someone – a friend, a grandchild, a stranger passing by – in need of a place of comfort, a place of healing, a place of wisdom. The nourishment she provided fed more than just the bodies of those around the table. All who felt her hospitality, her ability to give of herself for others, came away touched by her special spirit. Truly, in her home, there were no strangers, simply “friends” yet to be met. Perhaps better stated, “family,” yet to be embraced.

While she was both flight attendant and entrepreneur, she also worked many years for the Catholic Diocese of Utah in their administrative offices. Upon her retirement, she found a new passion, working the perennial flower section at Millcreek Gardens, where she consulted with thousands of customers on how to make their homes and gardens more beautiful. As a result, she created a verdant, park-like atmosphere at her own home, where many customers were invited to see all that could be possible.

She converted to Catholicism prior to her marriage and sang in the Cathedral of the Madeleine Choir for many years.

Surviving Nancy are her children, Michael Sean Leary (Diane Seppi); Catherine Ann Eckart (Ian Griggs); Daniel James Leary (Susan Franc); Patricia Ellen Bola (William Bola); Peter Hoffmann Leary; Mary Anne Airmet (Todd Airmet); Monica Jean Paluso (Todd Paluso); Triet Vo-Leary (Jenny Mac); Patrick William Leary (Amy Price); Kevin John Leary (Carrie Watts); Jennifer Marie Strader (Matthew Strader); 31 grandchildren and their spouses; and 12 great-grandchildren who loved calling her “Grammy.” Additionally, she is preceded by her husband Judge Peter F. Leary, daughter Theresa Louise, son Timothy Flanagan and grandson Liam M. Bola.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Timothy F. Leary Scholarship Endowment. Please make donations to Utah State University, The Timothy F. Leary Scholarship Endowment, 1590 Old Main Hill, Logan, Utah 84322, or using the secure giving form on this page. The endowment provides scholarships for USU students.

The Timothy F. Leary scholarship fund was established by friends and associates of Timothy Flanagan Leary to honor and memorialize Tim’s life and assist future generations of students in the College of Natural Resources at Utah State University. Tim was a 1985 graduate in Environmental Studies. Tim died on April 11, 1986 when he was struck by lightning at Dead Horse Point in Southern Utah.

Recipients of the Timothy F. Leary Scholarship are Junior or Senior students enrolled in the College of Natural Resources who have earned a grade point average of 3.0 or better. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of scholarship, leadership and the demonstrated desire to help people. Preference shall be given to students majoring in curricula designed to improve the environment. Special emphasis shall be given to the student's humanitarian concerns and his or her desire to help the underprivileged people of the world.