Carolyn Hammond

1927 - 2021

Carolyn Hammond

We wish to celebrate the life of Carolyn Hammond, who passed away Wednesday, July 21, 2021 in Old Saybrook CT. She was 94 years young.

She was born Carolyn Marie High on May 26, 1927 in Lebanon PA to Watson and Dorothy High. Carolyn graduated from Audubon NJ High School in 1944 and married Richard E. Hammond in 1947. They enjoyed 27 years of marriage until Richard's too early and untimely death in 1974. Carolyn would keep on keeping on for another 47 years. She was predeceased by her sister Margaret Perry, and is survived by her children, David Hammond and Mary Beth Gonski, along with their spouses Susan Hammond and David Gonski. A bright light in Carolyn's life were her four grandchildren Rhys and Wynn Hammond, and Peter and Samuel Gonski.

And carry on she did. Seldom giving herself the credit she deserved, Carolyn forged a life. To stay geographically close to her children, she moved from York PA to East Aurora NY to Boston and Salem MA, then Westerly RI and Niantic CT where her skills as grandmother came into full focus. She pursued a college degree at the University of Buffalo, and graduated magna cum laude with a BA in Art History in 1980. Subsequent course work in Library Science at Simmons College in Boston led to a career in several corporate libraries from 1986-1997. While living and working in the Boston area, Carolyn would take the train to Boston, then march herself to work - mind you at age 59-70. Once retired, she relocated to RI and CT to be near her children, who were busy raising families, and became an important influence on her grandchildren. With her love of learning and reading, her emphasis on the importance of higher education, and her values for diversity, equality, and inclusion, Carolyn will rest knowing she contributed to the development of four fine young men. She will be revered for her life-long sense of humor, love of arts and culture which took her on trips to Europe and Asia, and above all caring for her family. Carolyn will always be remembered for her personal motto "keep on keepin' on".

Services and burial were private. The family was assisted by Dinoto Funeral Home, Mystic CT. To share a memory or condolences with the family please visit dinotofuneral.com.

Donations in Carolyn's name may be made to the Azheimer's Association at www.alz.org.