Lillian ‘Lil’ Hammond
March 15, 2021
Passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital, in London, on Monday, March 15, 2021, at the age of 98. Lil is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Dianne Marchand, and best friend, Elaine Corrin. She was predeceased by her adoring husband, Tom (2018), and her cherished son, David (2017). Lil was the biggest cheerleader and supporter of her grandchildren. Kurt Hammond (Jana), Dean Hammond (Alex), Ryan Presseault (Sheri), Mark Hammond (Amanda), and Andrea Spruyt (Barry), will forever remember her phone calls, her hand-holding, and of course, her famous Mac n’ Cheese. Lil’s 13 great-grandchildren will remember her strength and her unwavering love of family. She had a life well-lived. Lil spoke fondly of summers in Toronto with her favourite aunt and uncle, vacations at Stanton House on Sparrow Lake, and her travels abroad; she believed in chasing after dreams and being grateful for the gifts you receive. Lil met the love of her life, Tom, in 1941 at an outdoor dance in Springbank Park. They married in 1943 and for the next 75 years, they danced their way through life. For many years, Lil was affectionately known as “The Cookie Lady.” She worked at Martin’s Home Bakery in Byron and enjoyed greeting and serving the community. She felt extremely blessed to raise her family in Byron and was known for her hearty sandwiches and fancy style of dress. Lil enjoyed regular lunches and card games with her friends and neighbours and was a longtime member of Sunningdale Golf & Country Club and Byron United Church. Lil and Tom were one of the first homeowners on Boler Road (1952), where the family fondly remembers BBQs on the back deck, the makeshift pool house in the garage, and many Christmas celebrations in the basement. Lil knew the best way to keep everyone quiet and behaving was to feed them. Whether it was Jujubes from the family room, KitKats from the secret drawer or popcorn snuck into a movie theatre, Lil kept the family well-fed. She spent the last ten and a half years of her life at Chartwell Riverside Retirement Residence. Lil continued to enjoy cards, regular walks, and Happy Hour drinks up until her final days. Special thanks to the staff at LHSC who kept Lil comfortable and allowed her loved ones to say goodbye; every extra minute was a gift to her family. We love you and will keep you forever in our hearts. Lil finished every phone call with the same phrase and it’s our turn to say the same to her: “Love ya, bye.” Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when circumstances allow for a proper tribute to Lil. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Lil are asked to consider The Salvation Army.
Leave a tribute for Lillian ‘Lil’ Hammond
Leave a tribute
Our condolences to the Hammond family on the passing of Lil. She was a warm and friendly person who will be missed by all her family and friends.
Sorry for your loss. It was a long time ago when we moved to Byron (mid fifties) and were welcomed by Lil And Tom. My mom and dad never forgot that. Coming from Toronto and leaving friends and family behind must have been a little daunting back then but their friendship really eased the transition. It seems like the Hammond and Sherwood families have been in some sort of contact since then. I am glad that I got to know both Tom and Lil, wonderful people.
What a truly wonderful lady Lil was. I had such admiration for her, she always looked so good, faithfully did her walks and was so thoughtful and pleasant. When my mother Edna Hart moved into Chartwell, Lil took her under her wing & I was was so thankful that she did that. Her and Mom had a lot of fun remembering the times they had with Tom & my Dad. My mother so appreciated her friendship. RIP Lil, you made the world a better place.
I have fond memories of Lil & Tom as neighbors that supported us as neighbors and our community called Byron. The many years Lil worked with our Aunt and Uncle who own Martin's Home Bakery were wonderful times growing up with pleasant memories in a simpler world. To the family I extend my condolences.
Dear Diane and Friends;On behalf of all the staff members at Westminister Highschool f here in London,Ontario, I would like to express our heartfelt sincere sympathies to all your wonderful friends and family members on the very recent passing of a truly wonderful citizen and community member for her many charitable associations in London,Ontario,plus er great membership bar none in Byron United Church led way back then by Reverend Story as I recall so well so many years ago.to let you know I was the statistian for the Westminister Highschool Senior Football teamunder the leadership of Mr.Peter Morningstar and Mr.Barry Sanderson, as I recall way back then also the senior Basketball teams at this schoo under the capable keadership of Mr.Doug Marshall I must say..these were some of the best years of my life I must say,as I was born with Cerebral palsy on June 27,1953,and got rid of my braces at age 14,in November 1967 so I could continue my eeducational pursuits through to 1975graduating with a Business Administration Diploma from Fanshawe Colledge in June 1975 and pursuing various careers in three different fields with great success and lasting lifelong frienships to this day.Thanks to you all Dave for these chosen opportunities ,Thanks Dave for getting to know you and those great Wildcat Teams as we move forward in our daily duties along lifes chosen pathways okay for each one of us .GO WILCAT GO;THANKS SO MUCH FOR BEING PART OF A TRUE LIFELONG LEGACY WHICH LIVES ON GOD WILLING FOR ALL OF US OKAY.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of a dear friend and wonderful woman. We met over 55 years ago and enjoyed a great friendship with her and Tom, It involved the Optimists of Byron, the gang of London Life employees, the many golfer friends of Tom,. Lou and Lil were euchre partners for many, many years. David installed our swimming pool in the late 70s. Tom and Lil were role models to all that knew them? We will miss Lil but we will always have wonderful memories to remember her.
The Leak family have many wonderful memories of this wonderful woman and my sincere condolences to the family
As a long time resident of Byron, I have known Lil for many years.and as a member of the Byron Opti-Mrs Euchre Group, I have enjoyed playing Euchre with her before she went to live at Chartwell. She was an amazing lady with an emphasize on Lady.
So very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this very difficult time. Please take care of your hurting heart and know lots of love is being sent your way.
Dear Dianne and family and Elaine, I had the pleasure of many pleasant conversations with Lil when visiting my Mom, Dorothy Koehler, at Chartwell. They played cards together sometimes. After my Mom was hospitalized and I was still able to pop in before the pandemic locked down retirement homes, Lil asked about my Mom and continued to have kind words for me about her. Lil was a warm, engaging woman, beautiful in many ways, and certainly looked much younger than her years. I'm sure she will be fondly missed by all who knew her. 3 cheers for a life well lived.
(Donated to The Salvation Army)
Make a donation
If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
The Salvation Army
Notify family of your donation
Kindly submit the form below if you wish to notify the family of your donation.Memories
May all the wonderful memories of your Mom be of comfort to you. My memories of your Mom includes the warmth of her personality and her always ready smile. One of my childhood memories is the popcorn she would serve in individual cones made of newspaper. It was a pleasure to grow up on Boler Road in Byron, just a few doors from your family. I also extend condolences on behalf of my Mom and know that she will miss her phone chats with your Mom.
~ Vikki Searle