Harriet Hamm

Harriet Hamm was a remarkable woman, of great strength, faith and love. She was a special lady, a Leap Day baby, yet Harriet was really even rarer than that. Her lifetime was devoted to those fortunate enough to be in her personal orbit, her beloved husband, her loving son and granddaughters, and the Lord she loved so much. Harriet was so devoted to those around her, yet remained her own person, teaching us to do the same. Harriet's story began on a cool winter day in 1924, in the little farming town of Coopersville, Michigan. Those were exciting times in this country, as the Roaring 20s began to roar, and the automobile and the airplane were becoming a part of everyday life for so many average Americans. Clearly, there was much to celebrate in 1924. In the small farming community of Coopersville, Henry and Grace Schippers were preparing a celebration of their own that winter, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child. Then, on Leap Day, February 29, 1924, the couple was blessed with a beautiful, special baby girl, a daughter they named Harriet. Harriet joined her sister Wilma in the Schippers home on the family farm in Coopersville. Like many hard-working Dutch families, located in Western Michigan, the Schippers girls were expected to do their fair share around the farm growing up, instilling a wonderful work ethic in young Harriet from an early age. Harriet rose before dawn each day to help with the milking of the cows, and in the wintertime she dutifully trudged through the snow to shovel the family's long driveway each day before school. As a result, Harriet grew up strong, independent and responsible, traits she passed on to all who knew her. Harriet and her family also grew up faithfully attending the First Reformed Church, and her faith was an important part of who she was all her life. She also attended Coopersville schools, and graduated from Coopersville High School in 1942. Through church, in 1950, Harriet met a handsome young man named Lewis Hamm, and the two hit it off immediately, and quickly began dating. Nearly a year later, the young couple was married, on June 9, 1951, beginning a wonderful marriage, full of love, family and faith. Their lives centered on the church, and their faith was truly the glue of their marriage. The newlyweds moved into the home Lewis grew up in, located just up the road in Muskegon, where they lived their entire married life, and formed so many wonderful memories. Soon, though, the husband and wife became father and mother, as well, with the birth of a baby boy, a son they named Jack. The Hamms were a very close-knit family, and did a lot together. Jack fondly remembers the family's annual summer vacations spent at a rented cottage in Northern Michigan. It became a tradition that lasted for 30 years, even after Jack had grown and set out on his own, as the family reunited up north, most of those years at Long Lake near Traverse City. Harriet was always a wonderful, supportive and loving mother, and was so proud of her son's successes. Going to college wasn't the norm in the Muskegon neighborhood the Hamms lived in, yet Harriet insisted her son further his education. Eventually, with his mother's love and support, Jack earned his Master's degree in engineering. Harriet was so proud of her son. Jack was a gifted golfer, and a six-time Long Drive World Champion, who decided that the world of corporate engineering wasn't for him and left it behind to start a successful golf club business. Being a concerned, albeit supportive, mother who wanted the best for her son, three years into his new venture, Harriet asked him, "When are you going to get a job?" Harriet was very proud of Jack's success in business, though, and even prouder of the strength, perseverance and determination it took for him to succeed. Jack credits his mother for those traits, and for the excellent upbringing he received from her. Harriet taught so much to so many over the years through her support, her example, and, especially, her faith. Harriet and Lewis were so dedicated to their church, and she faithfully taught Sunday school classes for 40 years at the First Reformed Church in Muskegon. She was also very active in many different church groups and activities, as well as the Muskegon Women's Club. When First Reformed Church closed its doors a few years ago, Harriet became a member of Unity Reformed Church to which she also fully gave of herself. When she and Lewis retired, they traveled often together, visiting Florida, Gulf Shores, Alabama, and also out west to Colorado to visit Jack and his family. Harriet was so proud of her sweet granddaughters, Ashley and Heather, and would always say, "They are the most beautiful girls in the world!" She also loved animals, especially dogs, and would always bring a gift for her "grand dog," too. Harriet was always such a strong, independent woman, and when her beloved husband Lewis died in 1998, she resolutely maintained her independence, and stayed in her home until the end of her days. Harriet was a remarkable woman, a woman of strength, character and charisma. She was a very talkative person, seemingly talking non-stop to anyone she encountered! Her words always carried weight, though, coming from a woman you couldn't help but admire. Whenever her name was mentioned, the response from all has always been "What a sweet lady!" A lady who was deeply and who will be deeply missed by all those who knew her. Mrs. Harriet Hamm, age 82, died Monday, September 25, 2006. She was born in Coopersville, MI on February 29, 1924 to Henry & Grace Schippers and married Lewis Hamm on June 9, 1951. She was a longtime active member of First Reformed Church and transferred to Unity Reformed upon its closing. She is survived by her son, Jack (Nicole) Hamm of Denver; 2 granddaughters, Ashley & Heather; 1 sister, Wilma (Jack)Boeskool of Coopersville; niece Karla & 2 nephews, Kirk & Ken. She was preceded in death by her husband. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 28, 2006, 4-8 PM at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon, with a special time for the sharing of memories at 7:00 PM. Memorials may be given to Unity Reformed Church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.