The Gazette-Enterprise

For Betty Anderson, the monthly brunch for the Ladies Guild at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Marion is a chance to look forward to the decorative magic of Lorina Hoffmann.

“Whenever you go to brunch, you wonder, ‘How did Lorina decorate it today?’” said Anderson.

Hoffmann has always come up with creative ways to arrange flowers and decorations for any event in town. It was this skill and a desire to stay busy after she retired from C.W. Traeger Wholesale Grocery in 2004 that made Hoffmann decide to start her own floral and decorative business in Marion.

Less than a year ago, Lorina’s Flowers and Gifts opened at 216 Schulz Street in Marion. With the help of her daughters, Jennifer Ortega and Jackie Juarez, and granddaughter, Genesis Ortega, the specialty store so far has thrived.

Hoffmann decided to open the business after caring for her husband, Harold, who passed away after battling cancer in 2005.

Since she had lived in Marion for the past 24 years and had three kids go through Marion schools, Hoffmann was involved in activities at Immaculate Conception and helped the Marion High School Band Boosters by running the concession stand at football games.

“I like Marion and I live here,” Hoffmann said. “I wanted to offer the community a place like this where they could buy gifts.”

Hoffmann’s flower and gift shop is not located on the main business thoroughfare in Marion, FM 78, but sits on two lots in a residential area.

Having a business located in a residential area has made her feel like she is the part of the fabric of Marion, Hoffmann said.

“When you are tucked away in a residential area, you get to know everybody by name,” Hoffmann said. “You are part of a community family. Everybody calls you by your name.”

Besides the money, Hoffmann said there is one motivation that makes her want to decorate for events, parties, birthdays or other events people want her for.

“When you are in this kind of business, it makes people smile,” Hoffmann said. “It is actually contagious. It seems flowers give people something nice to look at.”

Anderson said Hoffmann has always found a way through her work to make people smile and wonder.

“She is resourceful and imaginative,” Anderson said. “For one decoration, she used old coffee pots, old coffee cups and old sugar bowls (to put flowers in them).”

The Immaculate Conception parish hall has an old Christmas tree in which Hoffmann has showed her best decorating skills, Anderson said. In July, Anderson said Hoffmann decorated the tree with flags and patriotic streamers.

Three years ago, during Lent, the Ladies Guild had a “Fat Sunday” brunch. Hoffmann made the most out of the occasion, decorating the hall with a Mardi Gras theme.

Anderson said people in Marion love Hoffmann because she is willing to assist at every party or special occasion when needed.

“If you need help, she never turns you down,” Anderson said.

Even before she opened for business last year, Hoffmann donated her time by decorating for the Marion Education Foundation banquet.

“Lorina is a great asset to the community,” said Marion ISD Curriculum Director Sally Boeck, who sits on the board of the Marion Education Foundation. “She is a wonderful lady. Her shop is beautiful and unique.”

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