Irma Mae (Winchell) Hammond

Irma Mae Winchell Hammond, aged 96, of Cape Vincent, NY died on June 28, 2019 at home surrounded by family.

Irma was born July 6, 1922, in Belle Isle NY at home, daughter of Edwin David and Mae Neal Hart Winchell.  She was followed by her sister Betty, born 3 years later.  They were raised on the family farm and moved to Syracuse following the death of their mother in 1932. Irma graduated from Nottingham High School in Syracuse in 1940.

Irma married George Alan Hammond on October 11, 1940.  She lived with her in-laws while George Alan served during World War II. 

Irma was very active in all her communities. She was elected to the Cape Vincent Central School Board in 1959 and served with enthusiasm. She was a Girl Scout leader and a Den mother. She served as President of the Pleasantville (NY) Newcomers Club.  She was active with the Cape Vincent Improvement League, Cape Vincent Food Pantry, Eastern Star, Senior Citizen road trip group and her church. Irma enjoyed card games and played duplicate bridge whenever she could.  Irma retired from the Rochester School District in 1979. She relocated to Cape Vincent with her husband where they enjoyed many years together.

Irma was well-known for her love of new experiences and travel, a gene she has passed along.  She celebrated her 70th birthday by parasailing, and repeated that for her 90th.  Major back surgery in 2013 prevented her from completing her bucket list:  zip-lining and sky diving.  Her life motto was “but I might miss something”.

She is survived by her three daughters: Edith (Lyle) Docteur, Debra (Robert) Suller, and Hope Hammond and two sons; David (Cyndi) Hammond and Robert (Denise Nelson) Hammond.  She was predeceased by her loving husband, George in 1997 and a son, Alan (Julie) Hammond in 1986.  She had 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.  And there are countless others who called her “mom” and “grandma”.

A memorial service will be held at the United Church of Cape Vincent, 260 E. Broadway St. in Cape Vincent at a date to be determined.

Online condolences may be made at www.clevelandfhinc.com.

She arranged for her body to be donated to SUNY Upstate Medical University for medical education.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the United Church of Cape Vincent, PO Box 593, Cape Vincent, NY 13618.  Please specify your donation is to be used for the organ fund; music was always her favorite part of church.

A life well lived.

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