Bradenton, FL-- Phyllis B. Hammond (nee Van Dien), 95, formerly of Sparrowbush, NY passed away on August 3, 2024.
Born in Franklin, NJ on September 8, 1928, to the late James Millard and Leona Barrett Van Dien. Her childhood was spent in Green Pond, NJ where she delighted in playing parcheesi with her great-grandmother. Her grandmother stated, "Look at those two carrying on. Can't tell which one is the 8-year-old and the 80-year-old!"
The family later moved to Port Jervis during World War II where Phyllis graduated as salutatorian of her class at Port Jervis High School. She was the wife of the late Fred Lybolt Hammond, owner of Hammond's Service Center. Phyllis worked as a bookkeeper for her husband's business and later as bookkeeper and host for the Flo-Jeans Restaurant and Wine & Roses Restaurant. She was active as an election poll worker through the League of Women Voters. She was a member of Drew Methodist Church in Port Jervis and was involved in several civil organizations, including Daughters of America and the Mason's Order of the Amaranth.
Mom often told the story of how sickly she was as a child and overheard the doctors say if she lived to the age of seven, she 'probably' would grow up to adulthood adding, no one said anything about growing old. She often spoke glowingly about her children and grandchildren and how gorgeous her great-grandchildren were.
In addition to her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by brothers James M. Van Dien, Jr. and David L. Van Dien and sister-in-law Victoria Van Dien.
Survivors include daughters Lee (Richard Delgado) McVey in Albuquerque, NM; Marie Engels, Dickinson Center, NY; and son, Fred L Hammond, Bradenton, FL. Also surviving are three grandchildren: Jed (Maggie Carr) Engels, Josie (Ivan) Castillo, and James Engels and four great-grandchildren. Siblings Ferris Van Dien, St. Petersburg, FL; Lee (John) Kochenash, Naples, FL; Rheba (Bill) McKernan, Cape Coral, FL; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
A private memorial service will take place at the family's convenience. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34207, is in charge of arrangements.
