This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Bergdorf, Hoff Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5035/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Maryann (Hoff) Bergdorf passed away at Las Cruces, New Mexico on Thursday, December 16, 2010 after a courageous 41 month battle with acute leukemia (AML), a deadly blood cancer. She was born to Frederick and Bernice Hoff on January 17, 1945 at Chicago, Illinois. Both parents and a brother, Fred Jr., preceded her in death. Maryann spent most of her adult life in Marin County California where she tirelessly reared her sons, Mark and Matthew, while serving as a devoted spouse to her husband, Michael. She served in many volunteer positions connected with the education and development of her sons and service to the community at large. Whether it was at school, as team mom, scorekeeper, baseball league executive, or Chamber of Commerce, she was always ready to serve. Later she was employed for a number of years with the Physical Therapy Department at Kaiser Hospital, San Rafael, California. Maryann left the following words for her many friends and relatives in a poem by Joey Beighley: "Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow, but remember me in every tomorrow. I've only gone to rest for a little while. Although my leaving causes some pain and grief, my going has eased my hurt and given me relief. So dry your eyes and remember me, not as I am now, but as I used to be. Remember the joy, the laughter, and the smiles, because I will remember each of you with a smile as I look on from above. As long as I have the love of each of you, I will live my life in your hearts." Maryann is survived by Michael of Las Cruces, New Mexico, her husband and soul mate of 43 years; son Mark Edward Bergdorf and his spouse Griselda Carvajal Bergdorf of Sacramento, California, and their sons Luke Matthew Bergdorf and Spencer Drake Bergdorf ; and son Matthew Brian Bergdorf of Louisville, Colorado. Also surviving is her extended family including sister Kris Silva of Sacramento, uncle Clarence Kure and cousin Kathy Kure of Chicago, Illinois and numerous nieces, nephews, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, and friends all of whom cared and loved her deeply. Maryann is also now reunited with the many loved ones who have preceded her in death. Also surviving is her wonderful and devoted doggie, Lakota, and her beloved San Francisco 49er's, a team that thrilled her and chilled her for well over 30 years. Maryann wanted to express thanks to the many physicians, nurses, hospitals and clinics who fought so hard to extend her life against formidable odds. Special thanks are offered to her personal physician, Richard Ross, M.D., and the personnel at the Southern New Mexico Cancer Center and the Memorial Hospital Infusion Center at Las Cruces for their superb attention throughout the long fight. Additionally, Maryann would certainly want to compliment the superb services of the Mesilla Valley Hospice in their handling of limited life expectancy care. Services will be held in California in the spring. In lieu of flowers, and only if you so choose, small donations to either the American Cancer Society or the Lymphoma/Leukemia Society would be appreciated to aid in the fight for a permanent cure for all cancers. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.