Dorene Smithwick Hammel

Dorene Hammel Obituary

Name: Memorial service for Dorene Smithwick Hammel
Start: 2022-01-22T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Bon Air United Methodist Church

HAMMEL, Mrs. Dorene Smithwick, passed away in Richmond, Va. on Monday, January 10, 2022, following a decades-long battle with Multiple Sclerosis and a more recent battle with COVID-19. Born Dorene Lee Smithwick in Charlotte, N.C., she lived every day of her 68 years to the fullest. With an inner strength and poise admired by all who knew and loved her, Dori triumphed over physical mobility challenges for many of her years on earth. Dori's giving heart and endless love for all of God's creations was evident in each of those days.

Predeceased by her husband of 39 years, Michael J. Hammel, we believe that Dori and Mike are happy to now be together once again.

Dori is survived by her two daughters, Carrie (Devin) Floyd and Chelsea (Jeremiah) Born; and one son, Rob (Renee) Hammel; as well as four grandchildren, Isaac Floyd, Anika Hammel, Rose Hammel and Zi Xian Hammel. She is also survived by her sister, Amy (Rob) Boyle; brothers, Rob (Nancy) Smithwick and David (Ginny) Smithwick; as well as niece, Krista Boyle; and nephews, Graham Boyle, Matthew Boyle, Ronnie (Sage) Joyce (Tegan), Scott (Kaitlin) Joyce (Ellen), Jason Smithwick and Drew Smithwick. Dori's extended family includes her love for many cousins, including her loyal cousin and friend, Diane (Dale) White.

During her life, Dori was happiest being in the middle of any family gathering, as she loved her family deeply and unconditionally. She was ready for a party at any time! Her devotion to family and friends was the centerpiece of her life. Early in her professional life, Dori was a teacher and administrator, who enjoyed learning and helping others to realize their potential.

A resident of Richmond and Midlothian for more than 40 years, Dori was most recently a resident of Beth Sholom Senior Living in Richmond. The family extends their appreciation to the staff there for their care and support.

A memorial service to celebrate Dori's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at Bon Air United Methodist Church, 1645 Buford Road, Richmond, Va. 23235. Masks are mandatory. The service will be livestreamed for those not able to attend in person. Please contact the church office at 804-272-2042 to obtain the link.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that you consider a donation to Bon Air United Methodist Church, where Dori and Mike were dedicated members, or to a charity of your own choosing.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Jan. 16, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Dorene Hammel

4 Entries

Robin Shively

January 16, 2023

Always thinking of you and the ways you blessed my life......
You accepted all this life gave you with grace....,
You taught me to soldier through the challenges....
The power of a good attitude & your selfless concern for others, always sending cards and writing in your `great full ` journal. You did it all with a smile that lit up your aura!
Thank you for being my loving friend and inspiration, miss you Robin

Robin Shively

January 27, 2022

BEEP...hey Dori, it´s Robin , I got your message. I´ll miss you! We sure had a full day planned. Shopping, lunch, mani-pedi and of course STARBUCKS. I love watching you roll into the lobby like "pretty woman" .. while I follow behind with the day´s stash... that said, my most favorite was at the beach...with the beach wheelchair, I would roll you in the waves & back out again... you would laugh & splash, it was awesome! Or how about the hotel with the pool side lift... when you hopped out of the chair you said "look at me! I can walk! AND that you did , all around the pool!! It´s always a great day when it´s "Dori´sDay" Thanks for calling,
Love you tudls

Bill Messer

January 19, 2022

Every week for 52 weeks after my wife, Becky, died,Dori sent me an uplifting note. I will never forget her kindness and I know heaven is blessed with her presence.

Diane White

January 17, 2022

We largely had fun, and waaaayy too much sun.
We played and washed dishes--you rarely caught fishes!
We wrote letters and letters, and tormented our betters.
We shared secrets over lunches, and love each other bunches.
We are friends and cousins,
we found boyfriends (then husbands).
Having children together, we faced all kinds of weather.
Like others who love you (and who you have loved back),
I'll miss you this side, and feel a great lack--
Until that Great Day when together again,
We'll have fun dancing and singing forever--Yay and Amen.

Goodbye until then, Rip--I love you forever, Skip.

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