Jean L Hammer

Jean L Hammer, born on July 14, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, entered the kingdom of heaven peacefully at her home in Loxahatchee, Florida, surrounded by her loving family on September 11, 2024. Jean's life was a testament to resilience, compassion, and unwavering faith, leaving a profound impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Jean moved to Fort Lauderdale from Detroit, Michigan, with her family in 1945. She attended St. Anthony Catholic School through 8th grade. She then attended Central Catholic High School (now known as St. Thomas Aquinas High School) for one year. She graduated from high school in 1959, from St. Joseph's Academy in St. Augustine, Florida. She was devoted to this school and the nuns who nurtured and guided her throughout her adolescence. In fact, on the day her first granddaughter was born, March 23, 1996, Jean was inducted as an Associate to the Sisters of St. Joseph. 

Jean fulfilled a lifelong ambition of becoming a nurse in 1980, dedicating herself to this noble profession until her retirement in 2013. Her career was marked by versatility; she worked in numerous roles including bedside nursing, home health visits, counseling, and administration within substance abuse and mental health clinics in Fort Lauderdale and Pompano. In time, she rose to become a national case manager for mental health, embodying her belief in helping others through her work. Even after retirement, Jean chose to maintain her nursing license, a tribute to the hard work and dedication she invested in her vocation.

Throughout her life, Jean cherished her family. In 1966, she met the love of her life, Paul Hammer. They married, and raised a family together, until his untimely death in 1994. She was a devoted mother to Paula D'Andrea, Mary Hall, and  John Hammer, as well as their respective spouses, Nick D'andrea, Nick Hall and Lesley Hammer. Her role as a grandmother brought her immense joy, with grandchildren EJ Soto, Nick Soto, Lauren Soto, Julia Hammer, John Paul Hammer, Claire Jones and Nick D'Andrea, Jr. Jean also embraced her role as a great-grandmother to Oliver and Isabel. Her maternal instincts extended beyond the usual role of mom, as she lead Paula's Girl Scout troop for 3 years, cared for and looked over Mary as she learned to manage her diabetes at the young age of 12, and cheered John on, on the baseball field. 

Her artistic soul flourished through music and hobbies. She took piano lessons as an adult, learning from her future daughter-in-law, and she had a beautiful singing voice that filled rooms with joy. She loved singing spiritual and liturgical music, having been involved in church choirs from a young age and leading the congregation as a Cantor at numerous Catholic Churches in South Florida. 

Jean was deeply rooted in her faith, always inspired by the teachings of the Catholic Church. Her devotion to Jesus and his mother, Mary, was unwavering, and she cherished the intercession of saints, particularly that of St. Bernadette. She was very active in the church, especially in her roles as president of the St. Gregory Women's Guild, the South Broward Deanery and the Miami Archdiocesan council of Catholic women. She shared her faith with her family, guiding them spiritually and nurturing their beliefs. Jean was instrumental in the conversion of her husband, Paul Hammer, and her son-in-law Nicky D'Andrea; she is surely still working on Nick Hall from heaven. 

Known for her vibrant personality, Jean lit up any room with her smile and warmth. Her strong, independent nature was complemented by her generosity; she was always willing to lend a hand or offer encouragement to those in need. She shared her love fiercely, not only with her human family but also with her cherished furry companions.

Jean's passions also included her avid love for the Notre Dame Irish football team, for which she would light candles before each game. However, her favorite football player was Peyton Manning.  She enjoyed indulging in her favorite drinks, from refreshing Gin martinis (hold the vermouth) to soothing chamomile tea with a splash of Jameson. She was also an avid shopper, in fact, she was a frequent flyer with Amazon. 

She leaves behind her cherished daughters, son, sons and daughter-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, alongside her dear sister Marilyn Dunn, and her niece and nephews Patrick and Timothy O'Brien, and Kat Herrin. Jean was predeceased by her beloved husband Paul, her mother Marion Hornberger, father Harold Gannon, sister Carol Ann Gannon, grandson Dylan D'Andrea and nephew Michael O'Brien.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2024 from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM at Palm Beach National Chapel in Lake Worth. A Mass in her honor will be celebrated at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Boynton Beach, Florida, on September 23, 2024, beginning at 11:30 AM, followed by her burial at South Florida National Cemetery at 1:30 PM.

Jean will forever be remembered for the light she brought into this world, the countless lives she touched through her profession, and the immense love she held for her family. Her legacy of kindness, faith, and strength will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

Arrangements by T.M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home