Obituary: Joyanne (Walmsley) Hammond, 69, of Durham

From Doolittle Funeral Home

Joyanne Carol (Walmsley) Hammond, 69, of Durham, beloved wife of Jeffrey Hammond for 40 years, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at her home. Joyanne was born in Middletown on October 24, 1946, the daughter of the late John and Virginia (Maloney) Walmsley. She was an only child but grew up with a close relationship to her uncle of similar age, Jerry Maloney.

Joyanne was educated first at MacMurray College in Illinois and then at University of Connecticut, graduating in 1968. She earned her master's degree in education and nearly completed a PhD program, was it not for the birth of her twin sons in 1979.

She was a constant educator, both as a teacher in the Middletown school system for 36 years and with her children and grandchildren. Countless students have remarked about 'Ms. Hammond teaching them to read in high school after all those years of school and not knowing how.'

Joyanne was unconditionally devoted to her family, always putting their needs ahead of her own. She had an intense affection for her grandchildren, spending countless hours patiently reading and playing make-believe games.

Joyanne had lifelong love of animals, often traveling great distances to provide them with the best care possible. She enjoyed reading, writing and spending summers with family by the shore at Hammonasset.

Along with her loving husband, Jeffrey, she is survived by her two sons, John and James; two daughters-in-law, Gemma Sala and Pamela Hammond; three grandchildren, Ava, Fletcher and Lucas; her beloved uncle and aunt, Jerry and Rhonda Maloney; and Bella, their boxer, rescue dog.

Funeral services and Celebration of her life will be held Saturday, Sept. 3 at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Trinity, 381 Main St, Middletown. Interment will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in Middletown.

Relatives and friends may greet the family on Friday, Sept. 2 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joyanne's memory may be made to the Church of the Holy Trinity.

To share memories or send online condolences to the family, visit Doolittle Funeral Home here.