Joanne Chapman Hammon, Long-time Westfield Substitute Teacher
Joanne Chapman Hammon of Smithville, N.J., passed away at home on Friday, December 1. She was born and raised in Pottsville, Pa., and after high school attended Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pa., majoring in German with a minor in Economics. Upon graduation, she moved to Philadelphia to work for Wanamaker’s department store as an assistant buyer in ladies’ fashions. Her work at Wanamaker’s inspired a life-long love of fashion, and shopping! She was always smartly dressed and knew where to find the best deals.
It was at Wanamaker’s, next to the Eagle, where she first met her husband, Alfred Hammon, from Plainfield, N.J., and graduate of Kings Point Merchant MarineAcademy. They were married during the winter holidays, which was always Joanne’s favorite time of the year. After marriage, Joanne and Alfred made their home in Plainfield, where she became a traffic manager in the advertising firm of Brudno & Bailey in Westfield. They would later move to North Plainfield, N.J., with their two young children. Joanne became an active member of the Plainfield Methodist Church and later the Wilson Memorial Church in Watchung. She also was involved on the North Plainfield Business Association Scholarship Committee, and served as Chairwoman of the North Plainfield Board of Library Trustees.
When her children went to school, she did, too. Joanne became a substitute teacher in the Dunellen Public School system and later in the Westfield Public Schools system, where she spent more than 20 years, eventually specializing in long-term assignments in school library management.
In retirement, the couple moved to Ocean City, N.J., where they joined the Margate Community Church. Joanne became a Wedding Hostess and Vice President of the church’s Dorcas Guild. At the same time, she became active in helping to plan social events for their condominium club. No matter where she lived, Joanne remained a proud and dedicated Wilson College alum. She served on several college committees throughout her life, including the Alumnae Board of Directors, Wilson College Tri-County Club (President), and Admissions Representative.
Joanne had a natural green thumb, and enjoyed growing plants and flowers. She also enjoyed the visual and performing arts, travel (especially cruising), reading, her pet cats, and entertaining. Her love for shopping, the holidays, and entertaining helped create many memories that her family will forever cherish.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Elsie Chapman of Pottsville, Pa. She leaves behind her husband of nearly 67 years, Alfred; her daughter, Suzanne Caravousanos, and grandson, Nicholas; son, Jeff (Shelly), and granddaughters, Kaitlin and Elizabeth.
Please visit wimbergfuneralhome.com for service information.
December 7, 2023
