Mary Hoffmann

1940 - 2025

Mary Hoffmann

May 6, 1940 - October 11, 2025

Mary Frances Hoffmann, 85, passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at her home in Helena surrounded by family. Her death followed a valiant battle with Pancreatic Cancer.

Mary Frances was born May 6, 1940 to Leo James & Loretta Frances Michel Hoffmann. Raised in Glasgow, Montana, Barbara, Mary & Peggy were a trio of sisters nurtured by relatives & lifelong friends. A proud Glasgow Scottie, Mary excelled in horseback riding representing the district in Barrel Racing. She participated in many clubs & was voted "Most Athletic" in her Senior Class.

Mary attended Holy Names College in Spokane, WA before returning to Glasgow to marry Chester H. Boid and start a family. LeAnne was born in 1959 followed by James Thomas in 1962, Cheryl Lynne in 1964 & Pamela Kae in 1966. Our childhood was filled with fresh baked bread & cookies, craft making, Kool-Aid stands, Avon, hand-sewn Halloween & Christmas play costumes, painting, gardening, bike riding & visits to Grandma's & Grandpa's, Aunts & Uncles.

The family moved to Havre in 1972 when she married Bob Cornell. She continued to actively participate in 4-H & school activities with the kids, as well as Hobby Club with friends. Eventually Mary moved to Whitefish and successfully operated Boards N' Brass Gifts on Central Avenue for 16 years. She enjoyed picnics in Glacier Park, Cross-country Skiing & Golfing.

In 2007, Mary moved to Helena where her creative energy & love for gardening continued with a house on the corner. She loved the neighborhood and welcomed every holiday throughout the year with yard decorations & home baked goodies to share. Mary always kept family & friends close and stayed current on events in the community. She continued a lifelong interest in Montana & Native American History & loved collecting local pottery from across the state.

Mary is survived by her sisters Barbara Peterson & Peggy Wood; her Children Jim, Cheryl (Tom Woodall) & Pam; her Grandchildren Colton & Emma Conley; Nephews Mike (Shelle) Peterson, Rick Peterson, Bob (Angie) Peterson and their families as well as her furry kids Tucker & Bailey.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Leo & Loretta Hoffmann, her daughter LeAnne, Chet Boid, niece Kristin Ledyard & grandson Jameson Conley.

Mary felt strongly about supporting many causes. Please consider making a donation in her name to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society or Montana Heritage Center-MT Historical Society.

Thank you to St. Peter's Hospice who supported us. We are very grateful for your care & compassion. A Catholic Memorial Service will take place next April in Helena & Glasgow.

Please visit www.simplecremationmt.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a favorite memory of Mary.

Simple Cremation Montana

315 E. 6th Ave

Helena, MT 59601

(406)410-1321