Marcella Hammes (nee Salkin) of Marinette died April 27 of heart failure. She was 94.
Born and raised in Milwaukee, she met cattle dealer Ben Hammes at a dance in 1941 and married him in 1945 after he completed his army service in the Pacific theater of World War II.
A housewife and mother, she was active in civic charities, the Red Cross, United Fund and Hadassah. She also was an enthusiastic bridge player.
Her daughter Lee Hammes of Milwaukee said that she was “a pure soul,” Referring to writer O. Henry’s final words — “Turn up the lights. I don’t want to go home in the dark” — Lee said, “A pure soul need not fear the darkness. The final task of going home is always made in the light.”
Her husband died in 1989. She is survived by son Phillip Hammes of Marinette and daughter Lee Hammes of Milwaukee.
Rabbi Shaina Bacharach of Green Bay officiated at a graveside service on Friday, April 29, at Sons of Jacob Cemetery, Marinette.
Memorial contributions to a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.
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