It hasn't been the same since without you babe! I miss you everyday!  Trying to go on with my days, hasn't been easy, but I know you're there with me every step of the way, to help me make it through!  
I wish I can go back in time to give you more hugs and kisses and tell you how much I love you!  Til we meet again in heaven, you'll always in my heart and mind, and I cherish the 14 years we've had together!

Love you always,  1- 2 - 3!

Tom T.

I am so sorry to hear of Rita's passing. I worked with her at MWR for a few years. She was such a nice person and she will be missed greatly. May our Lord wrap his arms of comfort and strength around all who knew and loved her.

Rita was the spark of our class at Blue Hills
She put together our reunions as well
Love You Rita
You’ll be missed

I am shocked and so sorry to hear about Rita's passing. I just saw her at the MLK basketball tournament. I will miss her, Rita always looked out for me and my team (Team Bragg). She took great care of us. She will be missed. My condolences to the family. Heaven has a special angel now!

Rest in peace sweet angel.    Thank you for your dedication to the Mayport sailors and their families.  You were a true patriot.   Aaron and I absolutely adored you.  Love you sweet Rita.

I met Rita through the women’s golf group she had started. I was amazed at how she played and had just started not long ago. When she made a long putt one day she remarked it was because of all the miniature golf she had played with her 3 boys as they grew up.
She was so excited about seeing her grandchildren in December as they had been in Australia previously. She had planned an amazing birthday party with a princess theme for her granddaughter.
Miss her!

Our Deepest Sympathies. RIP Rita.

Love,
Jim and Marti Schooley 

     We are going to miss you, Rita. We had so many memories with you , from playing cards, parties and  our progressive dinners that we all had together. The last party we had with you as Pippy Longstocking, during our Halloween party this past October.  We will miss you my friend!                                               
                                                                                                   Becky and Mike Davis                             

Rita at my wedding in 2021. The picture is with all of my Godparents and of course i included her. She has always been a part of the family. I love her and will miss her so much. My heart hurts so badly that she is not here anymore.

This was such an amazing time getting together with Rita and Tom and all of our friends in Wisconsin. Big kayaking trip and food along the way. I will miss her adventurous nature and her peppy, fun, beautiful personality. She was always up for anything fun. 🥺💔

Dear Hammerstad brothers,
I know what an enormous loss this is to each of you.   Your mother was a force of nature and lovd you all dearly.   Please know she's not gone.... she's forever to be found in your hearts, in your personalities and the honor with which you carry yourselves as men.     She was a good mom - and there's probably no better remark one can make.    I hope the darkness of her passing is quickly lit by the bright memory of her life.    

Rita and I were co-workers, but during that time we also became friends. Rita was a force of nature and I enjoyed her friendship greatly!  I’m so very sorry for your loss!  I pray that God will comfort everyone who Rita touched in her life - and that is many!  

Dear Dustin, Derek, and Darren, 

Sending all our sympathies from your family in CA. We are so sorry for the loss of your dear mother Rita. She was a beautiful soul and a little firecracker! She will live on forever in the beautiful memories you have of her. 
With love from Great Aunt Connie, (sister to your Grandma Rosie) Aunt Chris, Spencer, Paige, and Drew Hammerstad. 
xoxoxo


I probably have a hundred photos just like this one of Rita doing exactly what she loved to do - play sports and working for her Sailors.   Rita started at Mayport just 6 months after I did and I loved her from the start. She was always the cheerleader and the referee. She cheered for her Sailors, but made sure things were played by the rules. She made sure I was always a part of the team. I loved her dearly and am devestated by her loss. 

Such a beautiful soul, she was wild, creative and supportive of whatever dreams you wanted to chase. She will be greatly missed.

Rita was always smiling.  Years ago at ABAA where her boys played baseball is where we met her.  She loved being involved in her boys activities.  She even became an umpire for a while. Prayers for the Hammerstead Family. 
R.I.P. Rita, until we meet again.  

So sorry for your loss.  Rita thank you for all your help over the years at MWR and the walk/runs.  You always let me fire off the gun in October.  I will miss running in to you and your great laugh.  RIP 

Libby Duffy, Fleet and Family Support Center. 

I grew up with Rita in Braintree, MA and graduated high school with her. She was a great person who took care to keep friends connected. Very proud of her family and loved life in general. She will be sadly missed and left a void in the hearts of the class of 1977! May she rest in peace. Condolences to her family, with  prayers for peace & comfort. 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Cathy Mohan

Loved playing tennis with Rita! She was always so enthusiastic and encouraging to everyone. From her stories, I know she loved her family and friends very much. She will be missed. Prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult time. 

Sincerely, 
Julie Dulaney

OBITUARY

Rita Marie Hammerstad

February 12, 1959 – February 26, 2023

Hardage - Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home and Cemetery

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