Dorothy (Bonjokian) Hammer, 93, beloved wife of the late Clifford Eugene Hammer, Rockland, MA died on June 29, 2017 at the Webster Park nursing home in Rockland.
Born in Brighton, MA in 1923, she was the oldest daughter of the late Nouritza and Minas Bonjokian. Her father was a cobbler in Whitman, MA, where Dorothy was raised.
She was a tomboy growing up. During WWII she worked at the ammunition depot in Hingham where she met her future husband.
Her parents were survivors of the Armenian genocide and immigrated in 1913.
Dorothy was a kindergarten teacher for years. Then she was a driving instructor at the Old Colony Driving School in Rockland for 25 years.
Dorothy was a passionate artist starting at age 8. She attended the Famous Artist Painting Course in 1965. She later attended Vesper George art school and Massasoit Community College in Brockton. She studied under many artists. She pursued her dream for years, exhibiting her works and winning awards through several art associations. She received many newspaper publicities and honors as well as regional and local awards.
She attended the Whitman United Methodist Church, where she was married.
She was married for 65 years to Clifford, and is survived by her son Philip Hammer, her daughter Noreen Lane, Noreen's husband Patrick, her grandchildren Gregory, Christina, and Benjamin Lane, her great-grandchild Nathan, and her cousins Terri Gillikin and George Bonjokian. She was the mother of the late Carol Joseph.
Her funeral service will be held Tuesday July 11 at 10:00 AM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman. Burial will follow in the Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree. Visiting hours will be held Monday July 10 from 4:00-8:00 PM
Visitors are invited to D'Anns Sports Bar, 340 Center St., Abington after the burial.