Muriel H. Hammond

Muriel H. Hammond, daughter of Dr. Philip and Elvena (Cornelius) Horsman, died Saturday, June 30, 2007, at her residence in Milford, surrounded by her family.
She was a graduate of Middleburgh Central School, class of 1942, and took a post-graduate course the following year. She was employed as secretary for the ReQua Insurance Agency and later, stenographer for six years with the Department of Social Services in Schoharie.
On April 4, 1953, she married Gordon Hammond in the Middleburgh Methodist Church, where she served as organist for six years. They moved to Milford in 1962 when her husband became superintendent of schools and remained in Milford after his retirement in 1987. Previously, they resided in Rhinbeck, South Westerlo and Jefferson.
Muriel was a member of the Milford United Methodist Church, where she served as a substitute organist, choir member and held various offices including parish treasurer and newsletter editor. For a number of years, she served as the Milford Presbyterian Church organist. She was a charter member of the City of the Hills Sweet Adelines International, a member of Eastern Star, honorary Rotarian, serving as the club's musician, and was active with the local Susquehanna Valley Senior Citizens. She and her husband were hosts for three Rotary exchange students from Finland, Mexico and Holland, and they were able to visit their Finnish exchange student in Finland.
She and her husband traveled abroad and in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. They visited all of the countries in Scandinavia and the British Isles with tour groups and participated in various Elderhostel programs. During the summer of 1993, they drove around the United States to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. Over the years, the whole family enjoyed camping, progressing from a leaky tent to a small motor home.
Besides her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Karen Springett and her husband, Alan, of Bainbridge; two sons, Walter Hammond and his wife, Michelle, of Black River and William Hammond of Bridgewater, Mass. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Joshua, Erica and Alana Springett and Kristen and Matthew Hammond; two sisters-in-law, Thelma Hammond of Northville, and Peggy Horsman of Middleburgh; and a nephew, Jeffrey Horsman of Raleigh, N.C.
She was predeceased by a brother, David Horsman.
Funeral services for Muriel will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 3, at the Milford United Methodist church with Pastor Maryellen Moore officiating. There will be no calling hours. Burial will be in the family lot in the Northville Cemetery, Northville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Milford United Methodist Church, PO Box 127, Milford, NY 13820, or the Milford Emergency Squad, PO Box 359, Milford, NY 13807, or to the Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care Inc., 542 Main St., Oneonta, NY 13820.
Arrangements are under the supervision of Tillapaugh Funeral Service, Cooperstown and Milford.