Joan Hammer

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joan Hammer " affectionately known as Gramma Jo" , who left this world on July 6, 2024 at the age of 89 (not 100 as discussed but were not mad it) she lived a 1000 years in the 89 years she spent here on earth., She was born on March 9, 1935, in Hutchinson, Kansas and her final curtain dropped in Orange, Ca surrounded by her family.

Jo completed her education in Kansas, married her husband Sidney Hammer in 1952 and moved to California in 1957 where they bought and home and started their family. Jo worked tirelessly 45+ years at Metropolitan State Hospital while raising her two children at the same time. 

A spitfire of a woman, strong, courageous, smart, with a ubiquitous loving soul. If you were lucky enough to know her, then you know you met one of the world’s finest people.

Gramma Jo was a beloved wife, mother, sister, cousin, officially appointed grandmother who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her but understand she has moved on, spending her ever after with the man who she loved dearly, her Sidney.

Gramma Jo’s incredible sense of humor brightened the lives of everyone around her. She could light up any room with her positive attitude and the way she found beauty in everything. You definitely wanted her on your team. 

Gramma Jo had many loves, She loved her children unconditionally, video poker conditionally, traveling the world, chocolate, wine and anything sweet (she bought into the whole extra dessert stomach thing which made some of us very happy).

Gramma Jo was world renowned for her Mac n Cheese, perfection in a bowl and it will be missed as much as her. 

She loved her trips to Vegas (by the way 10-12 days in Vegas is only something she could pull off) and video poker was her true love. There will be much mourning in the many glamorous locales (casinos) she went bankrupt in.

She was a connoisseur of fine and not so fine wine (Costco alcohol dept is devastated by the loss of Gramma Jo) and a firm believer that cookies are breakfast food (same devastation at Keubler Cookies).

Her fondness of Murder she wrote, or any murder mystery was only surpassed by her love of Cadillac margaritas, the mountains, animals and butter pecan ice cream. 

With her love for the mountains and passion for seeing new places, she was always ready for the next trip, however her luggage was to be carried by someone other than her. Luggage by the way, that was always over the weight limit, most likely due to a couple of well-hidden wine bottles.

Gramma Jo with her trademark savoir faire and ever-present need to look her best which always included wearing heels (even at Disney Land) she was never lacking in style and when or if she was she compensated with an overabundance of charisma, charm, and feistiness.

Over the years as Gramma Jo battled Cancer and health issues, she was determined to not let it get the best of her. She was a model of sheer determination, will and stubbornness right up until the end of her journey here on earth.

She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by loved ones, friends, family and her hairdresser (shout out to Cheryl for being her beck and call girl whenever she needed her hair done). Gramma Jo’s hair was gold to her, always perfect, never out place and beautiful just like her.

Gramma Jo is survived by her daughter Joni (Cheryl), her son Kyl, and so many more that she truly loved like her own and if you knew her, you knew it. Preceding her in Death were the love of her life, her main squeeze Sidney Hammer, Her Brother Lyle (Butch) Purden, Sister Catherine (Kate) Purden, and many many furry friends who she let share her home and bed.

Family and Friends are welcome to attend visitation TUESDAY JULY 16TH 5:30PM – 7:30PM at White Emerson Mortuary 13304 Philadelphia St, Whittier, CA 90601 (562) 698-0304

Following the viewing, family and friends are invited to stay for a celebration of Gramma Jo’s life have a mandatory Cadillac margarita or glass of wine in a final toast to the greatest Mom in the world.

A reception will follow the visitation (7/16/24) from 7:30-8:30 pm at the same location (White Emerson)

 Jo’s Mass/funeral will be held at 10am, 7/17/24 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church

Interment to follow at Queen of Heaven 2161 Fullerton Rd, Rowland Heights, CA 91748

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of many Cancer Charities, the Humane Society of LA, a Wolf Rescue, Plant a tree or do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for some poor unfortunate soul in her name.