Mary Jo Hammett

Mary Jo Hammett, 87, passed away peacefully in her home of 50 years in Costa Mesa after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was a devoted wife of 71 years to Jack Hammett, a loving mother of 4, a grandmother of 6, and a great- grandmother. She was born in Massachusetts and her parents were originally from the Madeira Islands.

Mary Jo and her husband are Pearl Harbor survivors. While he was stationed at the U.S. Naval Hospital at Pearl Harbor she enjoyed the enchantment of the Hawaiian Islands until the attack on Pearl Harbor. She observed the enemy aircraft overhead and the explosions of the bombs on the battleships. After the attack she returned to the mainland and was immediately engaged in wartime employment as a messenger and later as a machinist in the local shipyards.

Mary Jo devoted her life to being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She was an exceptional cook and hosted many political functions in support of her husband. They were also world travelers. She was involved in the Girls Club of Costa Mesa and an avid bowler, knitter, and gardener. She touched many lives and will be greatly missed by all.

Services will be held at St. Joachim’s Catholic Church on Monday April 4th at 10:00. Burial will follow at Harbor Lawn- Mt. Olive Memorial Park.

Arrangements under the direction of Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park & Mortuary, Costa Mesa, CA.