Nancy Hammond

Nancy Y. Hammond died on December 16th, 2025 at Judson Park in Cleveland, Ohio at the age of 97. She died peacefully, without fuss, just as she lived her life.

Nancy was a talented, beautiful person, inside and out, who lived a full life even as she met challenges along the way. She was born on March 22, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan, to Jacob and Grace Yochem. Her father was a salesman, and her mother a teacher. Her family was small-Nancy would describe herself as “the only child of an only child”. She was raised during the Depression, so her parents had to move to various states for work, often with her parents in different cities where they could find jobs. During the school year, Nancy lived with foster families and Nancy reflected in her later years how she learned to adapt in the many new environments, accepting that her parents were doing what they could to sustain their family. Her time with her great aunt and grandmother at their farm in Traverse City, Michigan was liberating as she was free to roam and explore. It was during these times that she developed a strong sense of independence.

Her experience at the Lab School in Chicago exposed her to new ways of thinking and opened her eyes to a larger world. She was admitted to the University of Chicago, but couldn’t afford the tuition, and attended Bethany College in West Virginia. She became close friends with her Kappa. Delta sorority sisters, and maintained relationships with them throughout her life. Typical of Nancy, she was named “Most poised girl in her class”.

She was introduced to Philip Hammond on a trip with her father to Cleveland, Ohio. She was swept off her feet by his charisma and blue eyes. They were married in 1952, and settled in Cleveland where Phil worked in the convention business. Nancy initially worked as a librarian at the Cleveland Public Library. While there, she provided a much-needed service by typing braille for the blind.

When Phil formed his own company, Convention Services, Nancy’s participation was invaluable. It was a great partnership until Phil unexpectedly died at the age of 62. After the sale of the company, Nancy immersed herself with several volunteer organizations. She worked with the Shaker Nature Center, and was an active patron and a board member of the Cleveland Playhouse. She was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland, and made friends wherever she served. She travelled with several groups and enjoyed the different cultures to which she was exposed. Nancy was very aware of world events, following them closely, supporting many causes that fit with her moral and emotional outlook.

During her marriage, she and Phil had bought a two family home in Shaker Heights, and served as gracious landlords to a series of families. Although she never had any children of her own, Nancy developed close and lifelong relationships with several of her tenant families, and was like a wonderful grandmother to their offspring.

Nancy was a stunning beauty, always finely dressed, with a gracious nature and delightful sense of humor. She made her way in the world without fuss, never showing off, but always being true to herself and her values. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

She is survived by Catherine K. Caldwell, William B. Caldwell (Debbie), Alexander R. Caldwell (Tara), and devoted friends Zachary and Deborah Paris, Kathleen Griffin, and Richard and Janet Cremona.

Donations can be made to The Shaker Nature Center, the Cleveland Playhouse, or a charity of your choice.

ARRANGEMENTS BY MAHER-MELBOURNE FUNERAL HOME OF NORTHEAST OHIO www.MaherMelbourne.com