Catherine E. Hoffman

Catherine E. (Kay) O'Boyle Hoffman, 96, formerly of West Pittston, passed way peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013, in Regional Hospital of Scranton (Mercy Hospital).

Born in Avoca on Feb. 24, 1916, she was the last surviving member of the James and Belinda Dempsey O'Boyle family having been preceded in death by brothers, Joseph and Edward, and sisters, Mary Brennan Boos, Nan Whall and Margaret Norton.

After the early death of her mother, she and her siblings were raised by her Papa and her beloved Aunt Kate Dempsey.

She was married to Thomas M. Hoffman and together they built and operated the iconic Kay's Drive-In Restaurant on Route 11 in Moosic from the early 1950s to the late 1960s. It became a haven for area teens who loved to dance to the jukebox music. Mr. Hoffman died in 1963.

In 1979, she married Edward W. Richards and together they enjoyed a marvelous life of travel, dancing and golf until his death in 2007. She was a member of Fox Hill Country Club for 57 years.

Catherine was educated at St. Mary's Grade School in Avoca, St. John the Evangelist High School, Pittston, and was also a graduate of the Powell School of Business, Scranton.

She was a devoted Catholic with particular devotion to daily Mass and the Rosary. Her faith was the guiding principle of her life as she raised and guided her family through life's storms.

She was lovely and kind-hearted and embraced life's challenges with optimism and hope, giving all credit to the wonderful Aunt who inspired and guided her.

Catherine was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston.

She is survived by her five children, Atty. Frank Hoffman (Susan), NYC; Atty. Michael Hoffman, Washington D.C.; Mary Hoffman, Pittston; Jeanne Hoffman, Moosic; Eileen Hoffman (David Munro), Delmar N.Y.; grandchildren, Elizabeth Hoffman, Brooklyn, N.Y.; James Munro, Brooklyn, N.Y., and Julie Munro, Washington, D.C.; stepson, Ted Richards (Susan), Edmonds, Wash.; numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Martin Moran, D.O., of Dupont, and Kay's caregivers and dear friends as well as the 8th floor nursing staff of Regional Hospital of Scranton (Mercy Hospital).

Funeral services will be Saturday at 9 a.m. from the Peter J. Adonizio Funeral Home, 251 William St., Pittston, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston. Interment will follow in Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Friends may call Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to St. John the Evangelist Care and Concern Free Health Clinic or to the Greater Pittston Food Pantry, 35 William St., Pittston, PA 18640, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Online condolences may be made at www.peterjadoniziofuneralhome.com.