Emma Z Hammerlind

We are saddened to share that our beautiful mom, Emma Z. Hammerlind (Saunders) passed away on Friday October 20, 2023 a little less than 2 months before her 100th birthday. She was born in Elkhorn, WI on December 10, 1923. Short after she was born she moved with her parents Clarence and Inza Saunders to Grand Rapids where, except for a brief residence in West Virginia, she spent her whole life.

She was a 1942 graduate of Union High School. On March 9, 1946 she married Albert Hammerlind. They were married until Dad passed away in 1987. Mom was an excellent cook known for among other things her apple pie and Swedish meatballs. In her younger years she was a talented seamstress who in addition to making many of her kids Halloween costumes, also made many of her girl’s clothes. She was a devoted stay-at-home Mom until her kids were all in school. Then, she worked for a time at a local fabric store and then for several years as a customer service representative at Michigan Bulb Co. She loved music and it brought her a lot of comfort during the last several months.

Mom will be greatly missed by her six children: Kathleen Hammerlind, Deborah (Michael) Weber, Jon (Sandra) Hammerlind, Cheryl (Norman) Czurak, Kevin (Meagan McCarthy) Hammerlind and Craig (Neil Trevisan); her six grandchildren Melynee (Jim) Lynch, Elisa (Emmanuel) Saintin, Shannon Hammerlind, Jon (Sarah) Hammerlind Jr., Edward (Beth) and Adam Czurak; her nine great-grandchildren Tyler (Megan) and Rhianna (Eugene) Carlson, Jon III and Kyle Hammerlind, Ethan and Eva Czurak, Marcel and Quinten Saintin, and Owen Lynch; as well as her 3 great-great grandchildren Jameson, Waylon, and Serenity Carlson. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews including Mary Ann (Tom) Cook, Everett/Biff (Davonna) McIntire, and Terry (Mike) Harnett.

Our family would like to express our thanks to the staff of which there are too many to name at both Covenant Living and Emmanuel Hospice for the care they extended to our mom during the last few months.

Visitation will be held on Friday October 27 at Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller avenue NE, Grand Rapids 49505, from 4-8PM. The funeral will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 2740 Fuller avenue NE, Grand Rapids, 49505 on Saturday October 28 at 11:00AM with visitation immediately preceding at church at 10:00AM. Private interment to follow. Memorial contributions can be made to Emmanuel Hospice or the charity of one’s choice.