HOFMAN, Helen Marie

Helen Marie Cohrs Hofman, 95, formerly of Salida, died June 14, 2012, in Lakewood. She was born Feb. 17, 1917, in Brookfield, Ill., to Joachim Paul and Caroline Marie Braun Cohrs. Her youth was spent mostly in Canada and Nebraska. She served in the U.S. Army in the Women’s Air Corps during World War II. She married Ervin V. Hofman Sept. 5, 1948, in the Lutheran country church near McCook, Neb. They had two daughters, Wanda and Gwendolyn. The Hofmans moved from Sidney, Neb., to Colorado in 1956. They moved to Salida in 1984 after Mr. Hofman retired. Mrs. Hofman was an avid reader and a published poet. She loved to sing and had been a member of various choruses in Denver. She loved to photograph the mountain scenery and wildflowers of Colorado. She and her husband traveled and enjoyed hiking, picnicking and flower-gardening. Friends and family said she was a gentle, forgiving woman with a sunny nature who was loved by all who met her. Mrs. Hofman was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Buena Vista. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1996, her parents and eight brothers and sisters. Survivors include her daughters, Wanda M. (George) Lauderdale of Oak Harbor, Wash., and Gwendolyn J. (Eric) Meythaler of Salida; sisters Alice and Bernice; and numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside services were June 19, 2012, at Fairview Cemetery near Salida. Because of her love of cats, memorial donations may be sent to Sunshine Shelter, P.O. Box 215, Poncha Springs, CO 81242. Arrangements are through Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home, Salida. Online condolences may be offered at lewisandglenn.com. 2012