Alfonsina "Fonsie" Hohman

Alfonsina "Fonsie" Hohman departed this world in peace in the wee hours of Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014. She had entered the world more than 87 years earlier on Jan. 9, 1927, the fifth daughter of Benedito and Carmenella Martello's 11 children. She grew up in the local area, living first in Frenchtown, then in Missoula. While working at the Missoula Mercantile, she met her future husband, Wilbur "Bill" Hohman. They were married in 1948 and moved to the Hi-Line, first to Shelby, then to Cut Bank. They spent nearly 20 years on the Hi-Line raising their three children, Rick, Debbie and Adam.

In 1967 they moved back to Missoula, where Fonsie spent her remaining years in retail. She charmed thousands of customers at various retail outlets in Missoula, ultimately returning to the women's department at the Mercantile. She stayed at the "Merc" through its transitions to the Bon Marche and Macy's, retiring in 2008 only when age and ill health forced her to. She was well known to her large customer base, many of whom shopped there only because Fonsie could serve them so well with her innate sense of elegance, fashion and style. She consistent won sales awards, showing her commitment to her many cherished customers.

Fonsie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, son Rick, brother Dominic and sisters Anna and Dorothy. She is survived by her daughter Debbie (Jeff) Tschida; son Adam Benton; brothers Guido, Tony and Eddy; sisters Rosie, Camilla, Maryann and Philimena; as well as eight grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

Her funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. A reception will follow at Reidy Hall in the church
Read Alfonsina Hohman's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.