Paulette Dew Hammond

Remembering Paulette Dew Hammond

A Life of Service, Advocacy, and CommunPaulette Dew Hammond (née Geisenkotter) passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025. She was born in 1946 to William P. Geisenkotter and Dorothy Dew Geisenkotter, and spent her formative years in Catonsville, Maryland. A dedicated student, she graduated from Catonsville High School and continued her education at the University of Maryland, College Park, where she earned a Bachelor of Science with honors in microbiology. She later received a Master of Science degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in Baltimore.

Paulette's career began as a virologist at Maryland Department of Health in Baltimore, followed by her work at the University of Maryland Laboratory. She concluded her professional journey as Chief Virologist at Quest Diagnostics in Halethorpe. Her commitment to the scientific community was evident through her emeritus membership and service as secretary for many years with the Maryland Branch of the American Society for Microbiology.

A passionate advocate for the environment, peace, justice, diversity, equality, and inclusion, Paulette served on the boards of several non-governmental organizations, including the National Organization for Women (Buffalo Chapter), Maryland United for Peace and Justice, and the Maryland Conservation Council. She represented Maryland United for Peace and Justice and the Maryland Conservation Council in efforts such as the Citizens Campaign for the Environment and the Safe on Pesticides Coalition. Paulette was appointed to the State Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities, and most recently, was a member of the board of trustees for CCBC.

Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life. As a member of Christ the King Episcopal Church in Woodlawn, Paulette served as facility coordinator and treasurer of the vestry, participated on the Diocesan Council, and acted as delegate to its annual convention. She also devoted her time to the church's ministry focusing on Refugee and Immigrant Services and Empowerment.

Paulette valued living life fully. Away from her advocacy and professional work, she enjoyed cuddling her rescued cats, tending to her cherished house plants, reading, and traveling. Friends held a special place in her heart, and she prioritized visiting them even when distance made it challenging. She was an active member of The Salon Group and the "Gourmet Club." Paulette's kindness, warmth, exuberant laugh, spirited reactions during Ravens games, and her unique footwear and hosiery choices are memorable parts of her legacy. She will be missed,

She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Hammond Ferrell and husband Ray; her sister, Deborah Dew Geisenkotter and husband Richard Worsham; and her foster daughter, Niesha, along with Niesha's children, plus cousins and numerous friends.

A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for 1:00pm on September 26, 2025, at Christ the King Episcopal Church, 1930 Brookdale Road, Windsor Mill, Maryland. Instead of sending flowers, Paulette requested that you make a donation to Planned Parenthood of Maryland or the Maryland League of Conservation Voters, or plant a native tree.