Jill G. (Bouffard) Hamann

RUMFORD -- Jill G. (Bouffard) Hamann, 88, a resident of West Peru died on Dec. 25, 2012 at home with her loving family at her side.

Born in Compton, Quebec, Canada on April 1, 1924, Jill 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, Jill 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, Jill 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.

A prominent businesswoman, Jill and Leo 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 Leo, and she was also a member of St. John’s Church. Jill 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.

Jill 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 and the time she spent with us.

Memere loved her grandsons, Ryan and Mark, and his wife, Elissa, and her granddaughters, Tanya and her husband, Jason, Nicole and her fiancé, Bryan, Karen and husband, Adam; and her great-grandchildren, Sawyer, Halle, Chloe, Isabelle, and Hannah. Jill 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 Jill’s side.

Jill was predeceased by her husband, Leo; two brothers, Pete and Albert; and five sisters, Ernestine, Adeline, Alice, Marie and Cecile.

The family would like to thank the nurses and aides from Androscoggin Home Health Care, the staff at Rumford Hospital, and Dr. Kreckel for providing their mom with encouraging words and excellent healthcare during her illness.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Mass at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013 at the Parish of the Holy Savoir, 126 Maine Ave., Rumford.