Phyllis L. Hammar

PAXTON – Phyllis L. Hammar, 97, a longtime resident of Paxton, died Christmas Eve, December 24, 2016, at the Meadows of Leicester with her son by her side.

She was born in Worcester, daughter of Anna and Carl W. Johnson, and grew up on Belmont Hill. She was predeceased by her husband, Elmer A. Hammar whom she married in 1946, her sister, Virginia and brother John. Her passing brings to close a family generation.

Phyllis is survived by her son, Curtis A. Hammar of Paxton, with whom she lived prior to her time at the Meadows, and daughter Cynthia L. Parker of Limestone, Maine.

Phyllis was known by many in the Worcester broadcasting community during her 45-year career at WSRS/WTAG radio in Paxton. Affectionately called “Mrs. H.” her work spanned the decades from early FM stereo to today’s computer technology. She took on many roles at the stations from ad scheduling and promotions to business management and Office Manager. Her love for all her colleagues is remembered by many who worked alongside her throughout those years.

She delighted in her many summers spent at Poland Spring, Maine at the lake and came to be known by many in that community for her loving spirit – including the loons.

Phyllis was a longtime member of the former First Lutheran Church where she was confirmed and Trinity Lutheran Church in Worcester where she taught Sunday School. She felt blessed in becoming a member of First Congregational Church of Paxton in her later years of life. She also remained active many years at the Paxton Senior Center.

She leaves grandchildren Amy MacAlister of Holden and Robert MacAlister of Minnesota, and two great-grandchildren. Also, she leaves her niece and four nephews.

As her abilities diminished with age, she was cared lovingly by the medical staff, CNAs, and Activities staff at the Meadows. Her son is grateful to all who brought a smile to Phyllis each day. God granted her a long love-filled life which she shared with her children and family and many who she encountered with her countless hugs and embraces of kindness.

A funeral service for Phyllis will be held on Thursday, December 29, at 11:30 AM at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. Burial will follow in All Faiths Cemetery, Worcester.

A Memorial Celebration will be held at the First Congregational Church, Paxton in January. Gifts in memory of Phyllis may be made to First Congregational Church of Paxton, 1 Church Street, Paxton, MA 01612. To share a memory or leave an online condolence, please "sign the guest book" on this page.



PAXTON – Phyllis L. Hammar, 97, a longtime resident of Paxton, died Christmas Eve, December 24, 2016, at the Meadows of Leicester with her son by her side. She was born in Worcester, daughter of Anna and Carl W. Johnson, and grew up on Belmont Hill. She was predeceased by her husband, Elmer A. Hammar whom she married in 1946, her sister, Virginia and brother John. Her passing brings to close a family generation. Phyllis is survived by her son, Curtis A. Hammar of Paxton, with whom she lived prior to her time at the Meadows, and daughter Cynthia L. Parker of Limestone, Maine. Phyllis was known by many in the Worcester broadcasting community during her 45-year career at WSRS/WTAG radio in Paxton. Affectionately called “Mrs. H.” her work spanned the decades from early FM stereo to today’s computer technology. She took on many roles at the stations from ad scheduling and promotions to business management and Office Manager. Her love for all her colleagues is remembered by many who worked alongside her throughout those years. She delighted in her many summers spent at Poland Spring, Maine at the lake and came to be known by many in that community for her loving spirit – including the loons. Phyllis was a longtime member of the former First Lutheran Church where she was confirmed and Trinity Lutheran Church in Worcester where she taught Sunday School. She felt blessed in becoming a member of First Congregational Church of Paxton in her later years of life. She also remained active many years at the Paxton Senior Center. She leaves grandchildren Amy MacAlister of Holden and Robert MacAlister of Minnesota, and two great-grandchildren. Also, she leaves her niece and four nephews. As her abilities diminished with age, she was cared lovingly by the medical staff, CNAs, and Activities staff at the Meadows. Her son is grateful to all who brought a smile to Phyllis each day. God granted her a long love-filled life which she shared with her children and family and many who she encountered with her countless hugs and embraces of kindness. A funeral service for Phyllis will be held on Thursday, December 29, at 11:30 AM at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. Burial will follow in All Faiths Cemetery, Worcester. A Memorial Celebration will be held at the First Congregational Church, Paxton in January. Gifts in memory of Phyllis may be made to First Congregational Church of Paxton, 1 Church Street, Paxton, MA 01612. To share a memory or leave an online condolence, please "sign the guest book" on this page.