Chris Hammer

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Chris Hammer, 74, of Northport, New York on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. A truly remarkable woman whose impact on the world was felt deeply by all who knew her. Chris was a groundbreaking thought leader, healer, and communicator, whose contributions spanned across numerous fields, including the arts, education, physical therapy, and somatic healing.

Chris brought a unique perspective to every area of life, always striving to create new ways of thinking, being, and understanding. Her gentle, graceful and compassionate spirit was felt in the way she spoke, listened, and touched the lives of those around her. Whether through her mentorship, her art, or her healing practices, she left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.

Chris's career was marked by an unwavering commitment to helping others. As a gifted healer and communicator, she worked tirelessly to bring comfort, understanding, and insight to those in need. She was an innovative physical therapist, clinical supervisor, and mentor at The Children’s Center at UCP, and an adjunct professor at Stony Brook University. As a Rubenfeld Synergist and Master Somatic Therapist, she trained others in the art of healing through movement and touch, and her expertise was a beacon of knowledge and compassion.

In addition to her professional achievements, Chris was an exceptional mixed-media artist, poet, writer, lyricist, and illustrator. Her art was an extension of her soul, and she poured her heart into each creation. She was passionate about music, and it was not uncommon to find her listening to her favorite tunes while creating something beautiful. Her work, much like her life, was filled with depth, creativity, and authenticity.

Those who knew Chris often speak of her warmth, her humility, and her unshakeable ability to make others feel seen and heard. Chris ended each day with a simple joy: enjoying a bowl of ice cream, a testament to her love of life’s little pleasures.

Chris is survived by her loving partner, Dawn Garcia; her daughter, Jessica Hayes; her granddaughter, Keara Hayes; her grandson, Lucas Hayes; her sons, Evan Hammer, Andrew Hammer, and Christopher Hammer; her daughters-in-law, Danielle Hammer and Kim Hammer; her grandchildren, Zachary Hammer and Averie Hammer; her extended family members, John Hammer, Stephen Carr, Colbi Swoope, Jeni Favale, Jackson McNally, and her siblings, Patrick Favale and George Favale and several cherished nephews.

A memorial visitation for Chris will be held Monday, April 7, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Claude R. Boyd-Caratozzolo Funeral Home,1785 Deer Park Ave, Deer Park, NY 11729. A Prayer Service eulogies will take place at 7:00 PM. If you cannot attend physically this evening, but would like to attend virtually, please click the link in the service information or copy and paste the following address into your browser: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c25045734917738

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Huntington, 109 Browns Road, Huntington, NY. The memorial service will begin at 3:00 pm, with a Relay for Life event at Northport High School following at 6:00 pm, including the Opening Ceremony at 6:00 pm and the Luminaria Ceremony at 9:00 pm. This year’s Luminaria Ceremony will be dedicated to Chris "Mooma," as she was lovingly called by her grandchildren and family. Chris was a passionate supporter of the Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Chris’s memory can be made to her team Mooma’s Squad by visiting the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Northport High School event website Mooma's Squad Relay for Life .

Chris will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, healing, creativity, and community will endure for generations to come.