Mary Hoffmann, 85

Mary Frances Hoffmann, 85, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 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 and Loretta Frances Michel Hoffmann. Raised in Glasgow, Barbara, Mary and Peggy were a trio of sisters nurtured by relatives and lifelong friends. A proud Glasgow Scottie, Mary excelled in horseback riding representing the district in barrel racing. She participated in many clubs and was voted "most athletic" in her senior class. 

Mary attended Holy Names College in Spokane, Washington 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 and Pamela Kae in 1966. Their childhood was filled with fresh baked bread and cookies, craft making, Kool-Aid stands, Avon, hand-sewn Halloween and Christmas play costumes, painting, gardening, bike riding and visits to Grandma’s and Grandpa’s, and Aunts and Uncles.  

The family moved to Havre in 1972 when she married Bob Cornell. She continued to actively participate in 4-H and 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 Ave. for 16 years. She enjoyed picnics in Glacier Park, cross-country skiing and golfing.  

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

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

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

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

The family wants to thank St. Peter’s Hospice who supported them. They are very grateful for their care and compassion. 

A Catholic memorial service will take place next April in Helena and Glasgow.  

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