America M. Hammond

America Mary Hammond, 75, of Benton Harbor, went peacefully to be with her Lord on Tuesday, November 23, 2004, at Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:30 A.M. Saturday, November 27, 2004, at St. Bernard Catholic Church with Father Bill Jacobs, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in North Shore Memory Gardens. There will be a luncheon at the Church following the cemetery services. Visitation is from 4:00 ? 7:00 P.M.,with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M., Friday, November 26, at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Bernard Catholic Church, The Readiness Center, or Lake Michigan Catholic Schools. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.stark-menchinger.com Mary was born America Mary Sanetti, September 18, 1929 in Lynbrook, New York to Joseph and Virginia (Cesarretti) Sanetti. Mary was the youngest of six children. Her father, mother, and three siblings all emigrated from Italy through Ellis Island after the turn of the century. Affectionately known as ?The Candy lady?, she operated The Candy Jar for the past twenty-five years with her husband Gene, until his passing in 1997. Most recently she enlisted help from her son Keith, daughter in law Kathy, and her very dear friends Florence and Mary, in order to continue on in Gene?s absence. Many people will recognize her from craft shows selling her candy and from her church of which she was a devoted member for over forty years. Her volunteer work at St. Bernard Catholic Church, and the Readiness Center was appreciated by many. She will be truly missed. Mary is survived by sons ? Keith Hammond of Benton Harbor, and Steve (Kathy Rickel) Hammond of St. Joseph; grandsons ? Bryan, Adam, and Kyle; brother Reno of California; and nephew Joseph (Stella Dina)Bruzzo of East Rockaway, New York. She was preceded in death by her brothers ? Jimmy and Jerry; and sisters ? Erminia, Virginia, and Gloria.