Ilse Auguste Martha Hoff
May 23, 1943 – July 1, 2022
Ilse Auguste Martha Hoff, 79, passed away at home on Friday, July 1, 2022. Her beloved dog Fritz was by her side. Ilse was born on May 23, 1943 in Hamburg, Germany to Emil and Emma Hoff. She was the youngest of their six children. She immigrated with her parents to the United States in 1951 to New Jersey and then on to San Jose, California. As a teenager she earned her American citizenship. In 1962 she graduated from Andrew Hill High School.
In 1964 her oldest son Paul was born. In 1967 Ilse married Paul Rossiter Sr. in San Jose, California and they moved to Redondo Beach, California. Later that same year she gave birth to her daughter Anna. Ilse’s third child, Aaron was born in 1972. Ilse and Paul Sr. divorced in 1974. In 1976 Ilse returned to San Jose, California where she continued to raise her children. In 1985 she moved her family to Hughson, California and then on to Modesto, California. In 1996 her life forever changed when her eldest son Paul Jr. passed away.
Over the years Ilse held several jobs that supported her family until she found her favorite as a CNA at Memorial Hospital in Modesto, California. Ilse became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1962. She spent the majority of her life in the Modesto 8th Ward.
Ilse loved her German heritage and culture, especially the music, food and traditions. She loved her family. Family and friends were very important to her. She cherished her relationships and all of her nieces and nephews thought she was the sweetest aunt. Some of the memories from her grandchildren are hearing her stories, cooking with her, enjoying summers at the pool and simply watching classic movies together.
Over the past 14 years Ilse had 2 beloved dogs come into her life. They were her constant companions and brought her so much joy. Missy was her first dog. In Ilse’s own words: “She was my baby. She was a gift from God. We rescued each other.” Missy passed away in 2020 and in 2021 Fritz (she named him after her brother) entered her life and became her trusty companion.
Ilse is preceded in death by her son Paul Rossiter Jr. and her parents Emil and Emma Hoff. Also preceded in death by her siblings Emil Hoff, Fritz Hoff, Edward Hoff, and Gertrude Hinds. Ilse is survived by her daughter Anna Sorenson and husband John; her son Aaron Rossiter and wife Shea; 8 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; her sister Louise Robertson and many nieces and nephews.
