Jill G. Hamann

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Jill G. Hamann

WEST PERU — Jill G. (Bouffard) Hamann, 88, a resident of West Peru, died Tuesday, December 25 at home with her loving family at her side. Born in Compton, Quebec, Canada on April 1, 1924, she was the daughter of Johnny and Alma (Labonte) Bouffard. She attended school in Rumford and graduated from Stephens High School in 1944. During World War II, she traveled to Bridgeport, CT and became a “Rosie the Riveter” patriot packing ammunition at Remington Arms for the war effort.

Full of laughter, sunshine, and hospitality, she was a gift to all who knew her. She inhaled life, the more active the better, and enjoyed entertaining, visiting family, going to auctions, and dining at her favorite restaurants.

For 61 years, she had been a devoted wife to “the love of her life,” Leo, and equally devoted herself to her son Don and wife Debbie, and to her three daughters Lorna, Cindy, and Michelle and her husband Howard. "Memere" loved her grandsons, Ryan and Mark and his wife Elissa, and her granddaughters, Tanya and her husband Jason, Nicole and her fiancé Bryan and Karen and husband Adam. Thoroughly entertained by her great-grandchildren, Sawyer, Halle, Chloe, Isabelle and Hannah, she lived the importance of family.

Other survivors include her beloved sister, Beatrice Vlodek; many devoted nieces and nephews and her Sheltie, Cora, who could most often be found curled up at her side. Mrs. Hamann was predeceased by her husband Leo, two brothers, Pete and Albert and five sisters, Ernestine, Adeline, Alice, Marie and Cecile.

A prominent businesswoman, she and her husband owned Hamanne’s Ski Shop, Paint and Sporting Goods Store on Waldo Street for 45 years. She also owned Top Hat Antiques in Hanover. Her tastefully displayed antiques, eye for quality, attention to research, and knowledge made shopping her store a delight.

She was a member of the Daughters of Isabella, an active member of Le Parasseux and played in the band with her husband, and she was also a member of St. John’s Church.

She loved sharing the simple pleasures of Worthley Pond camp life with family and friends. An open invitation to visit her any time was sincere and ongoing.

Mrs. Hamann would end a phone conversation and visits with “Love you.” Her words and voice now echo over and over pulling up bright effervescent memories that celebrate an amazing woman.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Mass at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 2, at the Parish of the Holy Savior, located at 126 Maine Ave. in Rumford. Arrangements under the direction of Oxford Hills & Weston Funeral Services, 1037 Main St., Route 26, Oxford. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.