Katheryn Hammond, 89, of Alpharetta, GA, formerly of Hamden, CT, passed away peacefully following a brief illness on Jan 14, 2020. The eldest daughter of Constantino and Lucy Neri (deceased), Katheryn was born on July 6, 1930 in New Haven CT. She received her Bachelor of Science from Southern Connecticut State College in 1980 and a Master of Science from The Southern Connecticut State University in 1989. She was a passionate and highly recognized educator for many years. She was named Connecticut State Finalist for the "Celebration of Excellence Award" in 1990 and was most proud of being named Teacher of the Year for the State of Connecticut in 1996. She loved the town of Hamden and was involved in many civic and social organizations. Katheryn was one of the founders of the Hamden Golden Bells Festival, served as President of the Hamden Women's Club, and President of the Helen Street School and Michael J Whalen Jr. High School PTA organizations. She was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award presented by the Hamden Jaycees, named "Outstanding Woman of the Year" by the Junior Women's Club of Hamden, and was the recipient of the "Hamden Notable Award" presented by the Friends of The Hamden Library. She was also named Citizen of the Year by the Civitan Club of Hamden. In addition, Katheryn also coauthored a book Historic Hamden – A Guide, during the Bicentennial. She served as President of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church Parish Council and was a lector for many years. Upon her retirement from teaching, Katheryn moved to Alpharetta, GA where her commitment to community continued. She was active on the Board of Directors, served as President, and as Editor of the community newsletter for The Orchards of Windward Homeowners Association. She was involved in the Roswell Newcomer's Club, local book and cooking clubs, and served as lector for St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Alpharetta, GA. She adored her family and was looking forward to celebrating 70 years of marital bliss in July with her beloved husband Burton. She had 2 sons, Stephen Charles (deceased) of Alpharetta, GA and Ronald James of Chagrin Falls, OH. Left to honor her legacy, husband Burton Hammond, Alpharetta GA; Cecilia Hammond (wife of Stephen), Alpharetta GA; and son Ronald Hammond and wife Anne Marie, Chagrin Falls, OH. Grandchildren Meredith Elaine Schwarz and husband Mark of Nutley, NJ; Lt. William Chase Hammond and wife Erin of Albuquerque, NM; and Hayley Jane Hammond of Chagrin Falls, OH. Great-grandchildren Lainey Allison Schwarz of Nutley, NJ and Calvin James Hammond of Albuquerque NM. Sisters Evelyn Parise of Hamden, CT and Constance Pino of Milford CT – and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
The family will receive friends at Peter Torello H. Torello & Son Funeral Home, 1022 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden CT 06514 on Friday, January 31 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm . Friends are then asked to go directly to Our lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, 2819 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518, Saturday, Feb. 1st at 9:30 A.M ., for a Mass of Christian burial. Interment to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Hamden, CT.