Josephine S. Hammond nee Beck, 94, of River Forest and formerly of Forest Park and Elmhurst, died on October 7, 2013. Born in Green Bay, Wisc., on February 2, 1919, she was one of four daughters of Louis and Ida Beck. Although a hairdresser, during the war, she worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” on the Liberator B-24 bombers.
After the war, she married Ross B. Hammond in 1946 and resided in Elmhurst in a home he built for her and their two sons, James and Robert. She was a life-long Methodist, and a longtime, active member of the First Methodist Church of Elmhurst. After retirement, she and her husband traveled the United States, and then lived in a home in Forest Park. After her husband died in 1984, Jo then moved to River Forest where she lived until her death. She traveled extensively with her sister, including a visit to the Holy Land.
She was active at Forest Park’s Wesley United Methodist Church, and after its merger, River Forest United Methodist Church. She was a crafter, stitcher and baker who worked tirelessly for United Methodist Women’s activities. Josephine Hammond is survived by her children, James R. (Janet ) and Robert (Debb Watson) Hammond and grandchildren, Alicia A. Hammond, Benjamin L. Hammond, Amelia L. Rothstein, Jessica J. Hammond, Paul Hammond, Peter Hammond and Rebecca Hammond, Christina, Bontu and Abdi. She was a beloved grandmother, not only to her grandchildren, but known as Grandma Jo to many, many children.
On New Year’s Eve, she enjoyed the wedding of the first of her grandchildren to marry and the gathering of her family members. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ross B. Hammond. Her family and friends will miss her. A Memorial visitation will be held at 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19 at River Forest United Methodist Church, 7970 W. Lake, River Forest with a Service following. Interment is private. Memorials to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org or to the River Forest United Methodist Women of RFUM Church are appreciated. Additional information is available at 708-366-2200 or www.zimmermanharnett.com.
