Sally Hammond's Obituary
Sally Hammond, age 61, a long-time resident of Grand Haven and Spring Lake, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 20, 2009 after a brief bout with brain cancer. She was born in Salem, Massachusetts to Warren and Betty Gill. Sally attended Grand Haven High School and then went on to graduate from the School of Education at Western Michigan University.
She was a devoted mother and skilled reading teacher. Sally loved working with children alongside her good friends Jean and Gretchen. She treasured her daily mocha frappuchinos made with love by her friends at Barnes & Noble and D&W Starbucks. Tending her flower garden was her special love, followed by the Red Wings, the Spartans and traveling on “sister trips”.
Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Warren and Betty Gill, and is survived by her husband, Tom; daughters Dr. Emily Hammond (Puya) Davoodi of Gainesville, Florida, and Abby Hammond of Royal Oak, Michigan. She is also survived by her siblings Geof (Linda) Gill, Betsy (David) Sandstrom, Susan (Bruce) Hunter, Sammy (Muffy) Gill and Martha Gill, as well as her “adopted” mother, Ardean Hettinga.
Sally brightened the lives of those she encountered with her vivacious spirit, sense of humor, and gifts of flowers. To honor the gifts she gave us all, there will be a celebration of her life in Sally’s Garden at 401 Barber St. in Spring Lake on Saturday, July 25, from 2-4pm. There will be a short gathering around the flowers at 3pm to share thoughts of Sally.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Sally to Hospice of North Ottawa Community, 18525 Woodland Ridge Dr, Spring Lake, 49456 or The Sally R. Hammond Children’s Book Fund c/o Griffin Elementary School, 1700 S. Griffin, Grand Haven, 49417. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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