Lora Hammer

Lora Hammer of Needham, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and trusted friend passed away on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 after a very brief illness at the age of 74. Lora (nee Krafchik) is survived by her husband Nelson Hammer; her son Daniel and his wife Dauri; her daughter Alison Hammer and her husband Chris Robert; her granddaughters Molly and Abigail Hammer and Vivian Robert; her sister, Joyce Mendell and her husband Jerry; and her sister-in-law, Ann Gottlieb and their families.

Lora graduated from New Brunswick High School in New Brunswick, New Jersey and George Washington University in Washington, DC with a BA in Education. After graduation, she moved to Boston where she worked in hospitals as a unit secretary; first at Tufts New England Medical Center and then at Massachusetts General Hospital. In 1985, she became one of the founding members of the Thyroid Foundation of America and spent 23 years as its Membership Director until it closed down in 2008. After she retired, she worked for several years as a volunteer for the Needham Council on Aging.

She had a passion for cooking, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Seger, but her three granddaughters were the loves of “Mimi’s” life and gave her immense joy.

A service will be held at Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Avenue, Needham at 10:00 AM on Sunday, August 22, immediately followed by a graveside service at Beit Olam Cemetery in Wayland. Masks are required for anyone in attendance. A private gathering will then be held locally.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF.org).