Caledonia, Michigan

June 13, 1943 — Nov. 26, 2024

Carolyn Louise Hammer was born June 13, 1943, in Los Angeles, to George and Dorothy (Derian) Dreier, and died Nov. 26 in Caledonia, Michigan, where she has resided since 2021. She was 81.

Carolyn grew up in the Los Angeles area, the eldest of four siblings. Carolyn was deeply connected to her Armenian heritage and extended family throughout her life.

While earning her bachelor’s degree in home economics from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, she married Ken Hammer. They later served as United Methodist missionaries in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 1969 to 1983. Ken and Carolyn offered their complementary gifts to the Lord while missionaries.

Ken shared his knowledge of agriculture, while Carolyn taught women’s sewing and nutrition, including how to incorporate newly introduced crops into meals. They both taught in a teacher training school (i-DIAS).

Ken and Carolyn returned to the U.S. in the early 1980s. After a few years of teaching French and home economics in Days Creek, Carolyn joined Ken in Berkeley, California, where Ken attended the Pacific School of Religion.

Carolyn worked as a food service manager there, and at the nearby Episcopal seminary. This was her favorite position, as she loved the camaraderie in the kitchen, debating theological issues while preparing excellent food.

When Ken graduated, he became a pastor in Grays River and Naselle, Washington. Carolyn enthusiastically entered her new phase in life, purchasing the Benjamin Young Inn in Astoria in 1994. As an innkeeper, Carolyn relished the opportunity to become acquainted with guests and be involved in the Astoria community.

She was an active member of the Astoria United Methodist Church, as well as Astoria civic groups. Carolyn especially enjoyed hosting guests and catering meals for community groups. She and the family sold the inn earlier this year.

Ken preceded her in death in 2002. She was a mother to Holly Anderson (David) and Joy Price (Wayne); and grandmother to Colin Anderson (Rachel Chrash), Lorin Anderson, Katrina Price (fiancé, Brandt Monson) and Rachel Price Kwashe (Kuda). Her siblings, Chris Dreier, Dennis Dreier (partner, Margie King) and Susan Dreier (Ira Cohen), live in California.

A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. May 24, at the Astoria United Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Astoria United Methodist Church, 1076 Franklin Ave., Astoria, OR., 97103.

Cremation was handled by Matthysse, Kuiper & DeGraaf Funeral Home in Caledonia.