Anne Hammerstrom

Anne Craddock Hammerstrom Anne Hammerstrom died Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at Westminster Canterbury, Drinkard Health Care Center, following an extensive illness. She was 91 years old. Born Anne Atkinson Craddock on September 27, 1920 in Lynchburg, she was the daughter of the late George Gilmer and Nan Atkinson Craddock. In June 1942, she married William Neil Hammerstrom, also of Lynchburg. It was an exceptionally endearing marriage, lasting 64 years until Mr. Hammerstrom's death in 2006. Mrs. Hammerstrom was constantly by her husband's side during his lengthy illness.

Mrs. Hammerstrom attended Converse College in Spartanburg, South Carolina for two years and then Randolph-Macon Woman's College in Lynchburg, where she graduated in 1942 with a degree in English Literature. She was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi social sorority. Mrs. Hammerstrom led an active life of service to her community and her church. She was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church of Lynchburg, where she volunteered her time in various capacities throughout the years. She also performed volunteer work for numerous charitable and community organizations in Lynchburg, including Meals-on-Wheels and the Virginia Baptist Hospital. Mrs. Hammerstrom was an avid bridge player throughout her adult life and for many years enjoyed the game of tennis. Often walking five miles each day was a passion for her. She was also a member of the Oakwood Garden Club and the Junior League of Lynchburg.

Above all, Mrs. Hammerstrom will be remembered by family and friends as a lady of outstanding character whose selflessness, gentle disposition, and sweet nature made her an enduring role model for her children and grandchildren.

Mrs. Hammerstrom is survived by three daughters and one son, Nancy Leggett of Roanoke, VA, Betsy Joyner (Bill) of Pinehurst, NC, Lou Mekanik (Mark) of Lynchburg, and Neil Hammerstrom of Alexandria, VA. She is also survived by six grand- children, Taylor Cole (Hobby) and Carrington Madden (Andrew) of New York City, Carter Benton (Ryan) of Wilmington, NC, Charlie Palmer of Richmond, VA, Anna Beuchert and Catherine Beuchert of Lynchburg, and five great-grandchildren. They, and many others, fondly knew her as "Mama Anne."

She is also survived by two brothers and their wives, Claiborne Watkins Craddock (Jerry) and John Wimbish Craddock (Emily), both of Lynchburg, and nine nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul Tulane Craddock and George Gilmer Craddock, Jr. (Martha Helen). Mrs. Hammerstrom's family gratefully appreciates the exceptional and compassionate care she received at Westminster Canterbury, most recently by the sixth floor staff of Drinkard Health Center, and prior to that, the fourth floor Assisted Living staff. Gentle Shepherd Hospice also provided superb care to Mrs. Hammerstrom and comfort and support to her family over the past few months. The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 8, 2012 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Hume Room, Westminster Canterbury, 501 VES Rd., Lynchburg. A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 9, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1215 VES Rd., Lynchburg, with the Rev. John Scholer officiating.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made to First Presbyterian Church, or to "The Fellowship Endowment Fund" of Westminster Canterbury, or to Gentle Shepherd Hospice, 6045 Peters Creek Rd., Roanoke, VA 24019.

Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family, 434-237-9424. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting tharpfuneralhome.com.