Marie E. Hammond

Marie Elizabeth Hammond, 86, of London Mills, died at 2:05 a.m. Saturday, July 18, 2020 at Seminary Manor, Galesburg. Marie was born August 31, 1933 in East Moline, the daughter of Frank M. and Mae J. (Girt) Claeys.  She married Leo B. Smith on September 6, 1952 in Galesburg.  He preceded her in death on July 26, 1974.  She later married Jay W. Hammond on May 5, 1990 in Galesburg.  He survives.  Marie is also survived by three sons, Richard (Betti Lemmer) and Bernard (Paula Mead Johnson) Smith both of Galesburg and Tim B. Smith of Bradenton, FL; one daughter, Cynthia (Paul) Detmers of Knoxville; one brother, Michael (Shauna) Claeys of Galesburg; twelve grandchildren; and 24 great grandchildren.  Marie is also survived by one step son, Steven (Penny) Hammond of Rock Island; three step daughters, Linda Skinner of Aledo, Robin (Paul) Bilbao of Midwest City, OK, and Dawn Hammond of Seaton; eleven step grandchildren; thirteen step great grandchildren; and five step great great grandchildren.  Along with her parents and first husband Marie was preceded in death by one Son, Patrick; three infant children; one sister; four brothers, two grandsons; and one step-son, Michael. Marie graduated from Carl Sandburg College in 1972.  She began her career at the age of 14 cleaning windows at the original St. Mary’s Hospital.  Her career spanned over 40 years, retiring as an LPN from OSF St. Mary Medical Center in 1995. When the children were growing up the family had milking cows and hens and sold farm fresh milk and eggs from their home.  Marie enjoyed tending to her large garden and canning her harvest at the end of growing season.  She also enjoyed fishing and camping.  Marie was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Galesburg. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Deacon Michael Crummer will officiate.  Due to restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks, social distancing, and limited capacity will be enforced.  Memorial may be made to the charity of the donor’s choosing.