Dianne E. Hammer, born May 26th, 1939, in Libby, Montana, passed away on December 31, 2024 after battling heart issues.  Dianne was married to Chuck Hammer for 59 years, Chuck passed away in January 2020.  Dianne loved her four children Andy (Robin), Laura (Mike), Pete (Suny) and Christina (Jason); as well as her four grandchildren Alex, Andrew, Justin and Allison.  She is also survived by her 2 sisters-in-law, Katherine Hammer and Alice Shea and her two nephews, Matt and Marc Shea. Dianne grew up in Spokane and attended St. Aloysius grade school, Holy Names Academy and Gonzaga University.  She obtained a Master's Degree in Social Work from Eastern Washington University and spent her career working in foster care placement with Catholic Charities, as a counselor for Mental Health in Spokane and finally with School District 81 working with behaviorally disturbed children.

She had two passions in life, family and helping kids.  For 40+ years Chuck and Dianne made an annual trek to Kalaloch on the Washington coast, inviting all her children and grandkids to help experience the beauty of the Olympic Peninsula.  It was here that she taught the grandkids several campfire songs that they will always remember; as well as the wonder that is a Spam sandwich.

In the course of her work when she saw a child in need, she was always quick to step in and offer assistance.  This led to her becoming a guardian for Loren Tower.  Loren was a fixture at Hammer-family celebrations for 30+ years and would have experienced a completely different life were it not for Dianne's positive intervention, guidance and love.  She treated Loren like a 5th child.

Dianne was afflicted with polio as a 5-year-old but never let the disease slow her down.  Chuck would refer to her as "Mobile One" because she was always out and about at work with her cane or walker, helping relatives get to appointments or assisting others.  One of her favorite sayings to her grandkids was, "Just say no to negativity".  She lived her life that way and was an example to us all.

A Vigil with Rosary Service will be held at St. Ann Catholic Church in Spokane on January 24th at 7:00 PM.  The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on January 25th at 11:00 AM at St. Ann with a reception to follow.  Dianne will be buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in Spokane.  The family asks that those interested in honoring Dianne considers making a donation to Horizon Hospice in Spokane; Spokanimal as she loved her dogs and cats; or the Union Gospel Mission. Online memorial page can be found at www.holycrossofspokane.org