Elaine M. Hammond, age 79, of 6385 East Maple Ridge 37th Road, Rapid River, Michigan 49878, passed away at her daughter’s home on Thursday, April 8, 2021 surrounded by her loving family and OSF Hospice.
Elaine was born March 20, 1942, in Frankfort, Michigan, the daughter of Roy and Mary (Shively) Hanmer. Elaine grew up in Benzonia and graduated from Benzie Central High School in the class of 1960. Elaine was united in marriage to Harold Hammond, her high school sweetheart, in October of 1960. Elaine worked at Rudyard Turner Howson Elementary School for 12 years. Following, they moved to Baraga where Elaine taught night school. Later, they moved to Gaylord where Elaine worked at the Gaylord Opportunity Center.
Elaine and Harold retired and moved to their home in Rapid River, where Elaine owned and operated Maple Ridge Country Flowers. Elaine always had a booth at the Escanaba Farmers Market where she sold her flowers and perennials weekly. Elaine also enjoyed making Christmas wreaths and sold them in the surrounding areas. She also was a volunteer of Saint Vincent de Paul in Gladstone. Elaine was an avid Detroit Tigers Fan and Michigan University Sportsfan. Elaine loved flowers and gardening, and knew every flower and how to grow them. Elaine truly saw the beauty in everything. She was a dedicated family person and will be missed by so many.
Elaine is survived by her daughter Julie (Randy) Saatio of Rapid River, grandchildren Scott (Michelle) Saatio of Ishpeming, Brad (Jordyn LaFreniere) Saatio of Negaunee, and Kristin (Matt) Elliott of Negaunee, brothers Art (Shirley) Hanmer of Mohave, AZ, and John (Barb) Hanmer of Benzonia, MI, sister Arlene Peterson of Crystal Falls, sister-in-law Phyllis Hanmer of Minnesota, and many nieces and nephews.
Elaine is preceded in death by her husband Harold Hammond, son Scott Hammond, brother Dean Hanmer, and brother-in-law David Peterson, and her parents Roy (Mary) Hanmer.
The family would like to extend a thank you to OSF Hospice for the great care they took of Elaine.
In accordance to Elaine’s wishes, there will be no services held. Memorial contributions in Elaine’s name may be directed to Saint Vincent de Paul in Gladstone, Michigan.
Randy Saatio - Rapid River, MI
My dearest , deepest sympathy goes to Elaine Hammond ( Hanmer ) family , relatives and friends . Elaine will be dearly missed by all that knew her . I witness the true meaning of love between a daughter and mother . My wife Julie took care of Elaine the last several months , the last 12 weeks pretty much 24/7 care , days and nights with both of them not sleeping . Julie was so good towards Elaine . OSF home hospice were great to all of us , especially the R.N. ‘ s Rachel , Beth and Josh , God Bless them for being so kind . Elaine is now dancing with Harold her husband , laughing with her brother Dean and brother in-law David Peterson . Elaine is helping out in the Celestial Gardens of Heaven . God Bless Elaine , and all of you that knew her . Son in- law Randy Saatio
Donna & Jack Laux - Atlantic Mine, MI
Our thoughts are with you. Only met Elaine a brief few times, but she was the kind of person I instantly liked. You were blessed to call her Mom and Grandmother. Love, Donna and Jack
Bert and Ellen Sutton - Dafter, MI
Julie, Connie sent me the sad obituary on your mom.
I was at the Escanaba Farm Market a few years back when your mother recognized me. She told me her name and I immediately thought of you. I was so glad she spoke. We visited for awhile. Such a nice person and a friendly smile.
Mike and Cori Hanmer - Chewelah, WA
We came to see Elaine after many years apart and she welcomed us so warmly and was so excited to see her nephew. I wish we had made the effort sooner as she was such a beautiful person. Hugs and prayers to Randy, Julie and family.
Jackie/Craig Miller - Chassell , Mi
Julie and family so sorry for your families loss,sending hugs and prayers.
Randy Saatio - Rapid River, MI
My dearest , deepest sympathy goes to Elaine Hammond ( Hanmer ) family , relatives and friends . Elaine will be dearly missed by all that knew her . I witness the true meaning of love between a daughter and mother . My wife Julie took care of Elaine the last several months . The last 12 weeks pretty much 24/7 care , days and nights with both of them not sleeping . Julie was so good towards Elaine . OSF home hospice were great to all of us , especially the R.N. ‘s Rachel , Beth and Josh . God Bless them for being so kind .Elaine is now dancing , with Harold her husband , laughing with her brother Dean and her brother in-law David Peterson . Elaine is helping out in the Celestial Gardens of Heaven. God Bless Elaine and all of you that knew her . Son in – law Randy Saatio
Susan berg - Gladstone , Mi
So sorry for your loss. Elaine was such a joy to work with. She was a great lady.
Jan Sobleski - Kinross , MI
The Hammonds were my neighbors many years ago. Respected and great family. I knew her daughter when she was in high school and have thought of the family often. Julie, it is A. Jan, so sorry to hear of your mom. I hope you and your family are doing well. I just discovered this news and wanted to let you know I am thinking of you and think of you often. Take care and be a good girl.
A. Jan
Sonia Fishburn - South Bend , In
I was heartbroken to hear about my friend of about 70 years. She was one of the very nicest people I ever knew.
We fished, played basketball, soft ball, and track together had slumber parties,and birthday parties growing up in Benzonia.
We corresponded a couple times a year after high school, as we moved throughout our lives.
Elaine will be sadly missed, and fondly remembered. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Elaine.
Sonia Hawkins Fishburn
South Bend, Indiana