Evelyn M (Woodcock) Hammer

Evelyn M Hammer passed away peacefully at her residence in Parkside Manor North East on April 25, 2024.

Evelyn was born in North East to Ray & Flossie (Brown) Woodcock on April 17, 1919. She attended North East High School where she played basketball and also met her future husband, James Hammer.

Evelyn was an avid reader who loved to travel but her passion in life was all things equestrian. An accomplished horsewoman, she enjoyed showing her horses and shared her enthusiasm with her children and grandchildren. She was never happier than when she was riding, taking her grandchildren for a ride, or helping Jim with his stable of racehorses. She supported horse activities in her community as a founding member of the North East Saddle Club. She also cared deeply about the welfare of horses and all animals. She and Jim, along with several friends, established the Erie Hunt & Saddle Club in 1962. With a motto of “horsemanship through knowledge” the goal was not only to encourage a variety of equestrian activities in Erie County, but to educate local horsemen & women on all aspects of horsemanship. Evelyn and Jim both served as presidents of the Erie Hunt & Saddle Club and she served on the board of directors for many years. She remained active in the hunt club until she was well into her 80s.

As newlyweds, they moved to Buffalo, NY where Jim and Evelyn both had careers but returned to North East to raise their family. She held several jobs in the community including running her own dairy goat operation! When Jim and his sons founded Hammer’s Furniture, Inc., Evelyn served as the secretary/treasurer.

Evelyn was a member of the Presbyterian Church of NE, Secret Pal Club and the North East Chapter of the Eastern Star.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her sister, Verna McConnell of Texas.

She is survived by her children, Clifford Hammer and David Hammer (Sharon) both of North East, Christine Hammer of Portola Valley, CA, Sandra Hammer of Merritt Island, FL, Steven Hammer of Newport, PA, and Katherine Antus (Larry) of North East.

She is further survived by 15 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren.

Evelyn’s family would like to sincerely thank the staff and management of Parkside North East for the wonderful way in which they took care of her during her last few years. Last week Parkside hosted an amazing party to celebrate Evelyn’s 105th birthday. We have such gratitude for the kindness and compassion they have always shown, not just to her, but our entire family.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Evelyn’s name to the Community Nursing Services of North East (7 Park St. North East, PA 16428) or to the Erie Hunt & Saddle Club (5906 Footemill Rd. Erie, PA 16509).

Family and friends may call at the William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 South Lake Street, North East on Tuesday April 30th from 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday May 1st from 10:00 a.m. until time of a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Officiating the service is Rev. Gregg Townsend. Private interment will be held at North East Cemetery. Please send condolences to elkinfh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Evelyn M (Woodcock) Hammer, please visit our floral store.