Sharon Ann Hoffman

Sharon Ann Hoffman, age 60, of Cudahy, WI, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025, surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Born February 1, 1965, in Milwaukee, WI, to Raymond and Alice Hoffman, Sharon grew up on Milwaukee’s East Side. She was known for her infectious laugh, warm hugs, natural gift for making everyone feel like a friend, and her deep love for dogs.

Sharon is survived by her daughter, Jackie Romlein (Jeffrey Romlein Sr.); grandchildren Jeffrey Romlein Jr. and Alma Romlein; brother David Hoffman (Cathy); Marie Janik (Tom), former spouse of her late brother Dale; Brian Hoffman (late wife Mary); Greg Hoffman (Sharon); and Mark Hoffman (Kim). She will be remembered fondly by numerous godchildren, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Her beloved dog, Scarlett, now lives with a dear neighbor and friend. Sharon also leaves behind many lifelong friends, her OT/PT “work family” from rehabilitation centers where she served, and countless others who became chosen family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter’s father, Thomas Brien; granddaughter Nevaeh Romlein; siblings Maureen, Dale, and Mary Hoffman; sister-in-law Mary Hoffman; nephew Patrick Joseph Hoffman; great-niece Aurora Hoffman-Weege; “second mother” Patricia Kelly (mother of Denise Silas); “second parents” Quinten and H. Laura Brien (parents of Thomas Brien); and her cherished dogs Buddy, Toby, and Bozman.

Sharon dedicated her professional life to occupational therapy, spending many years at Heritage Square in Greendale, WI. She was admired for her skill, compassion, and innovative treatment methods—especially her gift for connecting with and enriching the lives of dementia patients. She mentored her peers generously, always willing to lend a hand, and brought her trademark “fun hype-girl” energy wherever she went.

Outside of work, Sharon’s greatest pride and joy were her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. She loved nothing more than mornings on her patio with a good book, a cup of coffee, and her dogs by her side. A devoted friend, she relished breakfast outings, summer beach volleyball leagues in the 1980s and 1990s, camping trips throughout Wisconsin, and visits with family in Northwestern and Mid-Wisconsin. Childhood summers on her relatives’ farm remained among her happiest memories.

Sharon was an avid reader, a fan of classic TCM films, a lover of country music, and the welcoming host of summer BBQs and bonfires at her open-door home in Cudahy. Known as the “fun aunt” or “fun mom,” she made every person feel valued and loved.

Her life was filled with service to her community. She supported her daughter’s volleyball and basketball teams at Catholic East Elementary, volunteered at Holy Rosary’s church festivals, worked the pizza booth at Festa Italiana, and helped at Catholic East school fish fries. She served as a Girl Scout leader for five years and frequently read at Holy Rosary Catholic Mass, where her daughter also served as an altar girl in the 1990s. Later, she cherished watching her grandchildren play T-ball and soccer while Jeff coached from the sidelines.

In 2014, Sharon joyfully welcomed Jeff as her son-in-law when he married Jackie. The births of Jeffrey in 2015 and Alma in 2020 were among her greatest blessings. Alma’s name honors Sharon’s mother, Alice Mary, continuing a proud Irish lineage. A highlight of Sharon’s later years was a 2017 trip to Disney World with Jeffrey, where she shared in his first view of the ocean.

Though she was a light to many, Sharon quietly faced chronic depression for more than a decade—a struggle not always visible to others. In her later years, heart disease took a toll, ultimately claiming her life on August 8th.

Visitation will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 2011 N Oakland Ave, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Saturday, August 23, beginning at 12:00 PM. A Catholic funeral Mass will follow at 1:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Silas. A more casual Celebration of Life will be held in the coming weeks, with details to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Sharon’s name to the Wisconsin Humane Society, honoring her lifelong love of dogs.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Aurora Clinic on Layton Avenue for their ongoing care, the Aurora Clinic in Oak Creek for their swift and compassionate attention, and the Aurora St. Luke’s South Shore Hospital ICU team for their comfort in Sharon’s final moments.

"Depression may have touched her life, but it never defined her. What defined her was her courage, her generosity, and the way she made everyone feel seen and loved."