Colleen Hoffman

Colleen Hoffman passed away peacefully on September 19th, surrounded by her three daughters and filled with the love, faith, and gratitude that shaped her life. She moved through the world with courage, strength, optimism, and grace, qualities that illuminated her path through the challenges and quiet beauty of her later years.

Born in Oakland, California, in 1936 to Gertrude and Thomas Pugh, Colleen was the second of six children. She took pride in her role as "big sister," serving as loyal mentor, confidant, playmate, and friend. As a young girl, she loved dance and drama, and created her own small dance school to teach ballet to the neighborhood children. At 11 years old, her Bible was inscribed, "To Colleen Pugh, for faithful attendance," reflecting a devotion to faith that remained steady throughout her life.

As a young woman, Colleen worked as a runway model and instructor at the John Robert Powers Modeling and Charm School. Her outer beauty was equally matched by a depth of character, humility, and integrity. She had an extraordinary gift for bringing out the best in others, a quality that continued to shine throughout her life as a mother, wife, friend, and leader.

In 1960, Colleen married Mark Hoffman, beginning a 41-year partnership marked by deep love and a shared devotion to family, friends, art, and community. Together they created a warm and loving home that became the hub for lively dinner parties, large holiday gatherings, and endless celebrations where Colleen would deliver heartfelt toasts honoring each guest at the table.

She embraced every stage of her children's lives, encouraging them in their pursuits and taking genuine interest in their friends. She taught Sunday School at St. John's Episcopal Church, served on the PTA, led Brownie and Girl Scout troops, and assumed the role of enthusiastic cheerleading coach for her daughters and their friends.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, 20 in all, adored their "Grandma Colleen" who was known for her delicious Rice Crispy chicken, whimsical pancakes, and cozy sleepovers. They loved their adventures with Grandma that included rides in cabs, buses, trains, planes, boats and cable cars, visiting parks, zoos, Broadway Musicals, and museums. Together, they indulged in Fenton's ice cream sundaes, screamed with delight on Disneyland roller coaster rides, and savored s'mores around campfires at the beach.

In 1973, Mark Hoffman succeeded his uncle, Fred Maxwell, as President of Maxwell Galleries, which specialized in 19th- and 20th-century American and European art, as well as turn-of-the-century and contemporary California art. That same year, they moved to Piedmont, where their three daughters attended the local middle and high schools. Colleen became a docent at the Oakland Museum, developing a deep appreciation and expertise in early and modern California art. In the early 1980s, she joined her husband at Maxwell Galleries, becoming an integral part of its operations. She treated every staff member as family and built lasting client relationships.

After Mark's passing, Colleen found love again and married Bob Saydah. Their years together were filled with frequent family gatherings, meaningful friendships, world travel, bridge, and an abundance of shared laughter. They delighted in attending their grandchildren's football and soccer games and school performances, cheering them on with pride.

Colleen's compassion, loyalty, and wholehearted dedication touched everyone she met. Her legacy lives on in the beauty she nurtured through family, friendship, art, and her unwavering belief in the goodness of life.

She is survived by her daughters, Cheri Betts (Mike), Cindy Mascheroni (Tim), and Lauri Bunting; ten grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her endless joy. She is also survived by her siblings Kathy French, Pat Dunning, and Mike Hughes. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Mark Hoffman and Bob Saydah, her parents Tom and Gertrude Pugh, and her brothers Tom Pugh and Jim Hughes.

A private memorial service for Colleen will be held at St. Anselm's Episcopal Church in Lafayette, CA on Saturday, November 29th, 2025.

Gifts in honor of Colleen can be made to the following charities:

The Piedmont Beautification Foundation, online: https://piedmontbeautificationfoundation.org/donate/ , or by mail: The Piedmont Beautification Foundation, City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue, Piedmont, CA 94611

John Muir Health Foundation, online: https://www.johnmuirhealth.com/secure/donate-to-john-muir-health-foundation.html, or by mail: John Muir Health Foundation, 1400 Treat Blvd., Walnut Creek, CA 94597.