formerly of Macomb
Sylvia June Hofer died peacefully Sept. 10, 2025 at home in Palatine, IL where she recently moved to be with her daughters after living in Macomb, IL since 1969. The former Sylvia June Wilson was born on Feb. 26, 1937 to Mervin and Hildred (Frederick) Wilson in Bucktown, Sullivan County, Indiana. She married Jarrel Hofer on Dec. 23, 1963 in Batesville, IN. He preceded her in death on Jan. 25, 2004.
She is survived by three daughters, Jeanette (Ramon) Mascarenas, Mount Prospect, IL; Linda Hofer, Ames, IA; and Ellen Hofer, Palatine, IL; a sister, Wilma (Gerald) Jett, Carlisle, IN; a brother, Larry (Debbie) Wilson, Carl Junction, MO; and two nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant sister and two nephews.
Sylvia graduated from Carlisle High School, Carlisle, IN in 1955. She earned an Associate of Arts degree in Elementary Education at Vincennes University, Vincennes, IN. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from National College, Kansas City, MO with a major in psychology. She then attended the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO and earned her Master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling. Sylvia and Jarrel met at church in Columbia, MO.
She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Macomb, IL serving as church Deacon and Elder. When her daughters were young she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for several years. She also participated in Presbyteers and many other church activities.
As a member of Presbyterian Women, she served in several offices, including president and co-moderator and was a member of the Afternoon Circle. She is most remembered for her contributions to the rummage sales, which she chaired for many years, recruiting helpers, sorting, running the cashier station, and generally organizing everything to ensure a smooth operation. She was always excited to report how much money they made to support charitable causes.
A memorial service will be held at The First Presbyterian Church in Macomb, IL at 10:30am on October 11. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The First Presbyterian Church or the Jarrel and Sylvia Hofer Scholarship Fund at Western Illinois University. Checks towards the scholarship fund should be made payable to “WIU Foundation” with “Jarrel and Sylvia Hofer Scholarship” in the memo area.
