HAMMELL Dorene
Posted: June 12th, 2015
HAMMELL
Our beautiful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, DORENE (WITWICKI) HAMMELL NEE SACCARDO passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 surrounded by family at the age of 89 Years.
Mom was born on December 7, 1925 in Coalhurst, Alberta and moved to Lethbridge at a young age. Mom met our Dad (John Witwicki) and they married and had two children together, Donna (Al) Rowntree and Sherry (Richard) Smeltzer. A tragic accident took John away on September 22, 1967. In 1972, Mom married Harold Hammell, moved to Calgary and gained 4 more children, Claudia (Doug) Norris, Harlene (John) Day, Debbie (Ed) Sweep, and Clint (Tracey Fyfe) Hammell.
Together Mom and Harold golfed, curled, and took care of their garden and house. They also took numerous trips to their favorite vacation spot, Las Vegas, where Mom bought many pairs of glitzy shoes – her trademark. Mom spent her spare time making beautiful cross stitch pictures and knitting slippers and sweaters for anyone who wanted them. Mom’s health took a dramatic turn in 2003 and their lives changed, leaving them virtually homebound. When Harold passed away in 2008, Mom had to leave their home and move to MackenzieTowne where she was able to get help with meals and housekeeping.
In 2011 Mom moved back to Lethbridge and reunited with many old acquaintances. Mom spent the last few years at Cedar Creek Assisted Living where she developed new friendships and received the care she needed.
Mom is survived by her six children, nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Harold in 2008, her first husband John in 1967, siblings Norma (Peter) Matisz, Geno (Vi) Saccardo, and two grandchildren at birth.
Everyone loved Mom. She always had a smile on her face and spoke to everyone. Even towards the end she made sure her hair was perfect, her makeup was on, and she had her jewelry to match her outfit. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Goodbye beautiful lady. We will miss you.
A Celebration of Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Monday, June 15, 2015 at 11:00 A.M.
Interment to follow at Mountain View cemetery.
If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to The Kidney Foundation – 400, 740 – 4 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 0N9, Canadian Diabetes Association – 204, 2323 – 32 Avenue NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 6Z3 or a charity of choice.
Honoured to serve the family,
CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM,
2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South,
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1.
Telephone (403) 381-7777.
E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca