Mildred P. Hammer

March 3, 1936 - October 24, 2019

MILDRED PHYLISS HAMMER “MILLIE” Mildred Phyliss Hammer 83, of Medford, NY passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on Thursday October 24th 2019. Mildred was born on March 3rd, 1936 to proud and loving parents Charles M. and Mildred F. Anderson of Bayport. Growing up and going to school in Bayport with her brother Gary, there was always plenty of fishing & boating on the Great South Bay, camping trips, school events and the ever-present weekend family gatherings to keep her busy. After graduating Bayport High School, she enrolled in cosmetology school and worked as a hairdresser for a time. On June 18th 1961 she married her sweetheart John A. Hammer of Patchogue and shortly thereafter moved to Stratford, Connecticut where John accepted an aircraft manufacturing position. The birth of a daughter in March of 1962, Patricia Gail soon followed. After a brief work-related move to California, the young family moved back to Long Island for good, where Mildred and John bought a home and continued to work and raise their family. Two more children were to follow, John Jr in Dec of 1963 and later Julie Ann in Sept of 1966. Mildred pursued multiple career paths as the years progressed without sacrificing family life. In addition to hairdressing, which she continued part time for many years, she drove a school bus, worked as a secretary for King’s Moving & Storage and later, Julie’s Gymnastics for kids. For decades in the Hammer Household, it was often a common sight to see someone getting a haircut, permanent or hair coloring treatment in the front entryway or “Beauty Parlor” of the home. When not working on other things or being a homemaker, there was always the family chauffeur job which was happily carried out with trips back and forth to boy scouts, girl scouts, synchronized swimming, school events, fishing trips, gymnastics, riding lessons, friend’s houses, doctor/dentist appointments etc. Mildred enjoyed cooking for her family, going to the beach and events with family and friends. One year she attended Chinese cooking classes where the new dishes she introduced us to were always a big hit. Food and extended family gatherings go hand in hand and these special times were always some of the most memorable and enjoyable occasions. “Millie” as she was known to her friends, enjoyed regular get-togethers with friends for “coffee” at local restaurants, where 3 or 4 hours were spent talking and very little food was ordered (to the disappointment of the management). There was usually much laughter taking place around the table where “Millie and her friends or family were gathered. Her warm friendly face, good humored disposition and love will be missed by all who knew her. Mildred was predeceased by her parents Charles and Mildred, Husband John, younger brother Gary and son in law Larry. Mildred is survived by her three children Patti, John and Julie, a daughter in law Susan and three grandchildren, Maia, Kristen and lars who all loved her dearly.