Naomi Starr Hoffman
Naomi Starr Hoffman, 62, Winamac, passed away at the Pulaski Health Care Center after a lengthy battle with multiple sclerosis on Dec. 29.
On Feb. 12, 1961, Starr was born of Joy Byers and William Sheridan. Growing up in Kewanna, Starr shared her childhood with her younger sister, Twyla. Starr graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1979. To pursue her dream of caring and helping others, Starr graduated from Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in Fort Wayne in 1983. Following her education at Fort Wayne, Starr pursued her bachelor’s degree in nursing at St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, 1991.
She provided care to many patients at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Logansport Memorial and St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Plymouth. She furthered her education by obtaining a master’s degree in management from Indiana Wesleyan University in 1996. Starr worked in many different areas of nursing which included oncology, critical care, home health care and was an early pioneer for organ procurement.
At home, Starr was passionate about her cats, dogs and any furry creature that needed food and bed to sleep. She never turned away a stray animal that needed a home.
Starr is survived by her mother Joy Byers of Rochester; her sister Twyla Rader and her husband Bill, Danville; a nephew Wil Beaty [Madison] of Coatesville; uncles: Dale Byers [Jeannie], Logansport, Dean Byers [Clarisse], Plymouth and Jay Byers [Martine], Logansport; and many cousins.
Graveside services were conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 6, at Mount Hope Cemetery Chapel, Logansport. Service arrangements are under the direction of Zimmerman Brothers Funeral Home, Rochester, Indiana. Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com.
Being a caregiver is a full time and exhausting task. Starr’s family would like to thank the caregivers at Pulaski Health Care Center for their care, love and support during her stay. It wasn’t as much the physical care, although that was extremely important, but the love and nurturing that Starr received by the entire staff at the Pulaski Healthcare Center. Starr knew she was loved and cared for – Thank you everyone that touched her life.
A Prayer for the Caregiver
by Bruce McIntyre
Unknown and often unnoticed, you are a hero nonetheless.
For your love, sacrificial, is God at his best.
You walk by faith in the darkness of the great unknown,
And your courage, even in weakness, gives life to your beloved.
You hold shaking hands and provide the ultimate care:
Your presence, the knowing, that you are simply there.
You rise to face the giant of disease and despair,
It is your finest hour, though you may be unaware.
You are resilient, amazing, and beauty unexcelled,
You are the caregiver and you have done well!
(Pulaski County Journal — Jan. 10, 2024)