Karol Hammond

KAROL S. HAMMOND, 58 ROCKFORD - Karol S. Hammond, 58, of Rockford, life came to a sunset on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, in the University of Wisconsin Madison Hospital. Her sun rise was on May 24, 1954, in Sheboygan, Wis., the daughter of Roman M. and Audrey (Gurowski) Miley. She was a graduate of Belvidere High School. Karol married Lance Hammond Oct. 7, 1995, and later divorced. She worked as a waitress at the Hoffman House for many years, and later for Chrysler Corp., in the paint department. Karol formed her own personal neighborhood watch group called, "Take It Back" and received backing from Mayor Doug Scott, Chief Fitzpatrick, Mayor Charles Box, and Detective Jeff Schilling; she also was the president of Third Union College Neighborhood watch group. She was a board trustee for United Auto Workers Local 1268, serving on the cap committee and as a committeeman. Karol was a delegate for President's Summit on Volunteerism and Youth; and executive board and chairman for Broadway Business Associates and Zion Development Corp. Property Development Committee. She served on the Rockford School board for a short period of time. Karol was a proud breast cancer survivor, avid Green Bay Packers fan, enjoyed gardening, angels and wind chimes. She loved being a mother and grandmother most. After Karol retired from Chrysler in 2009, she moved to Monroe, Wis. to be closer to her son. She is survived by her daughter, Serena (Troy) Hendel; son, Tanner (Amy Neeley) Halvorsen; grandchildren, Leanna Halvorsen, Jean Justis, Edward Sagner, Deacon, Colton, Coby and Harrison Hendel, and Lea M. Brus; sister, Mary Lowery of Monroe, Wis.; and special friends, Mary Scalzitti, Cori McDevitt and Edith Piercy. Predeceased by her parents; sisters, Chris Miley and Donna Sparks; brother, Robyn Miley; and nephew, Kyle Melvin. Memorial service at 6 p.m. Monday, March 4, in Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd., North Main Chapel, 2811 N. Main St., Rockford, with memorial visitation from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.; Pastor Gary Schwerin will officiate. To share a memory or online condolence, visit olsonfh.com.