Frances Marie Lascari Hammer

Frances Lascari Hammer was born September 26th, 1941, and passed away July 14th, 2026, at the age of 84. She was born in Passaic, New Jersey to Anna Napolitano Lascari and Victor “Butch” Lascari. She had a younger brother, Victor Lascari.

Frances grew up in Lodi, New Jersey. Through her persistent hard work, she was able to earn academic scholarships and became the first person in her family to attend college. Frances studied at Douglass College, part of Rutgers University, where she earned a degree in Sociology. She later began to work towards her master’s degree at Seton Hall University before meeting Edwin King Hammer. They married in 1964 and moved to Lawrence where they both earned master’s degrees at the University of Kansas.

In 1967 they moved to Austin, Texas to pursue doctoral degrees. While Edwin began his studies, Fran commenced her career with the Texas Commission for the Blind in Austin. Her first son, Mark Scott Hammer, was born in December 1968. After moving to Dallas in 1970, her second son, Scott David Hammer was born in April.

In 1976 Fran set out on what would become her life’s work with the Dallas Independent School District’s Vision Program, where she served as Director. She dedicated 38 years of duty to the district and retired in 2014. Fran’s service to the disabled was not limited to the school and she worked with Visual Aid Volunteers for many years.

Fran was a loving and devoted mother to Mark and Scott. She was always there, shuttling them to school, football practices, and every activity in between while managing a full-time career. Raising two boys was not always easy, but she was always present when they needed her. In 1995 Fran became the loving mother-in-law of Amy Hammer and loved Amy like the daughter she never had.

As Mark and Scott began raising families of their own, Fran found being a grandmother one of her greatest joys in life. Scott’s twins, David and Madison, came first and she loved them dearly. A few years later, Mark and Amy welcomed their only son, Jake. In 2003 Scott’s daughter Lily Hammer completed the family.

Every summer Fran hosted one of her favorite gatherings, “Camp Grandma”, where she took her beloved grandchildren to museums, resorts, and even other countries. She loved traveling with her grandchildren, especially to the beach. She was consistently involved in each grandchild’s life, acting as a constant source of love, advice, and support to her entire family. Fran’s love for children extended to her community as well and she volunteered countless hours of service at Shriners Hospital after her retirement.

Fran is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Victor, his wife Naoma, her former husband Edwin Hammer, her beloved dachshund Coco, and many dear friends and family members. She is survived by her sons Mark and Scott, and her cherished grandchildren: David, Madison, Jake, and Lily. She is also survived by Victor and Kerry Lascari and their children, Chris and Victoria, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members, all of whom were very dear to her.

Fran had many lifelong friends. From her bridge and volunteer groups she always had someone to walk with or shop with. She loved a good meal with friends, especially if it involved a slice of pizza and a cold Corona Light. She was a voracious reader, quick witted, and loved good conversation. You always wanted her in your corner! Frances was a remarkable woman who loved deeply and was deeply loved. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

The family invites friends and loved ones to a visitation at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Highway, on Wednesday, July 22 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. A private family burial will be held on Thursday, July 23.

Family and friends are invited to commemorate Fran's life at a Celebration of Life service on Thursday, July 23 at 1:00 p.m. at Highland Park United Methodist Church, 3300 Mockingbird Lane. A reception will immediately follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to any Alzheimer’s Association in Frances Hammer’s name. We must keep fighting for a cure.