Hazel Churchill Mills Hammer was born on August 29, 1925 in Willcox, Arizona. She spent her early childhood in Cochise County, Arizona. At the age of nine, she moved to Wayne, Michigan to live with her aunt and uncle, Lila and Cy Bigler.
She was salutatorian of the 1943 graduating class of Wayne High School and attended the University of Michigan until 1946. In that same year, she met Charles Lawrence Hammer. They were married on August 14, 1948.
Their son David was born on August 22, 1949 soon to be followed by their first
daughter Alison on July 19, 1951. Charles Received his Ph.D. of Physics in 1953. He accepted a teaching and research position at Iowa State University on July 1, 1954. The family moved to Ames, Iowa in June of 1954. Once in Ames, Charles busied himself with his new career and Hazel raised their two children. After living in student housing at Pammel Court for three years, the family built a house at 1222 Scholl Road. Hazel took on voluntary duties at the Unitarian Fellowship. Both she and Charles became
active in the Ames Choral Society and Ames Community Theatre of Recreational Services (ACTORS) productions. Hazel gave birth to two more daughters, Carla on June 27, 1960 and Bonnie on December 11, 1962.
In addition to raising their family and staying very active in the community, Hazel and Charles developed a passion for politics and became heavily involved with the Democratic Party. Additionally, Hazel's work at the Unitarian Fellowship grew and she had increased responsibilities with ACTORS. Hazel was very dedicated to her
volunteer work. She mothered each and every one of these organizations like they were her own children. The volunteers, members, and supportive personnel felt her love and deep commitment. She was very giving to these organizations with humility, generosity, and quiet leadership. She never complained, only offered, never made excuses, only faithful commitment. One manifestation of her efforts was the formation of the Ames Community Arts Council (ACAC), an organization in which Hazel became a very active leader. She
stayed consistent with her volunteer life for four decades.
Hazel enjoyed gardening, cooking, rock collecting, fishing, hunting for edible mushrooms, and gathering mementos of her children's lives. She also enjoyed family vacations in Aspen, Colorado where the family spent many summers mountain hiking and backpacking together. In later years, Hazel and Charles enjoyed vacationing in Germany and Alaska.
In May of 1994, Hazel was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme, an aggressive type of brain cancer. She faced her terminal
illness with steadfast courage and strength. She never complained about her disease, and comforted and reassured everyone who offered their concern. Hazel learned much and taught much during this period of her life. Hazel passed away on April 18, 1995.
In her many roles in the making of Ames community, Hazel Hammer was a familiar face. Her cheerful attitude and ever-present smile are remembered by many who hold her dear. In her volunteer efforts, she was never known to complain or be bitter and so
it was as she faced dying. The people blessed by Hazel's attention through the years returned the blessings all throughout Hazel's illness. The outpouring of love and support by the community and friends was overwhelming and spiritually uplifting. It was our comfort to know that so many had felt the privilege of knowing Hazel Hammer.
Hazel's greatest gifts were her abilities to love all people unconditionally, to be accepting of others, to have tolerance, to be non-judgmental and sensitive to the needs of
others, to master community spirit, and to give generously and hospitably. We, as her family, wanted to dedicate this paver to our dear mother, wife, and sister, who was not only a gift to our lives, but to the community of Ames. She was a very rare, special person and we will miss her sweet, quiet spirit, joyful countenance and loving presence dearly.
May God embrace her always.
The Family of Hazel Hammer:
Charles Hammer, Dean Mills, Harry Mills, David Hammer, Alison Cocks, Carla Kia, and
Bonnie Hammer
9/28/94 |
