On the day after what would have been her 76th wedding anniversary, the family of Grace Eileen Hammerton (nee Gilbert) is sad to share the news of her peaceful passing on June 4, 2026 while under the attentive care at VON Sakura House.

Eileen was born on November 8, 1928 in Toronto and enjoyed an active social life while growing up in the Swansea area and attending Runnymede Collegiate High School. She fondly recalled ice skating, bicycling, badminton, trips to the cottage near Parry Sound and big band dances at the ballroom in Casa Loma dancing to Tommy Dorsey’s Band. During WWII, she volunteered for the Farmerettes and submitted a recollection of her stint that was published in “Onion Skins & Peach Fuzz: Memories of Ontario Farmerettes”.

After graduation from high school, Eileen attended Toronto Normal School and taught for a short time in the Orangeville area until a bout of pleurisy prevented her from finishing her tenure.

She met her “blue-eyed blonde” farmer Keith Hammerton at church and after a short courtship, they married on June 3 1950 at Bethany United Church in Elmbank near Malton. The city girl quickly became a famer’s wife establishing their first farm near the present location of Toronto airport. With the expansion of the airport, Eileen and Keith moved to Sweaburg in 1955 onto a farm that Keith had admired while attending the plowing match in Oxford County. They were welcomed by their neighbours and became active members in the community with Sweaburg United Church as the cornerstone.

Eileen kept her active, inquisitive mind engaged by being a 4-H leader and as a West Oxford Women’s Institute member who helped organize the Maple Syrup Festival as a centennial project in 1967. Eileen ran a satellite branch of the Oxford County Library, initially from her home and later at a designated site in Foldens. During the 1970s, Eileen was involved with the Woodstock Agricultural Society during its period of growing from a 3-4 day county fair to a 7 day fair with the expansion of new buildings and exhibits.

In the early 1980s, Eileen and a friend began a new venture with Patchwork Place, a quilting fabric store located in Sweaburg.

The travel bug bit Eileen and Keith and they took their first international trip in 1967. For the rest of her life, there were numerous trips to favourite destinations Australia, Spain and Europe. Many international friendships were made through Keith’s involvement with Rotary and its exchange student program. Eileen still kept in contact with many students who stayed with the family.

Eileen enjoyed sports; particularly curling and lawn bowling and loved watching the Grey Cup game every year. She was an avid viewer of curling broadcasts on the sports channels. She adored playing cards and relished scoring triple word bonuses in Scrabble. She spent many happy times playing bridge with dear friends.

In 2000, Eileen and Keith moved from their farm residence into Woodstock and the city girl was back in an urban setting. Eileen attended Probus, Zonta and Learning Unlimited and was involved with senior’s advocacy in the community. While a resident for the past 16 years at Chartwell Oxford Gardens, she served as an ambassador and resident’s council member.

Eileen and Keith enjoyed a long happy marriage of 64 years until Keith’s passing. Their common interests sustained a loving partnership. She was always interested in her family’s activities, endeavours and achievements.

Eileen was pre-deceased by her husband Keith (2014), son Murray (2024), brother-in-law Murray A Hammerton (1999), sister-in-law Dorothy Hammerton (2021), sister Vivian Tanti (2023) and brother-in-law Walter Tanti (2024). Survived by daughters Lori Armstrong (Brian) and Sheilah Hammerton and daughter-in-law Jane Hammerton, grandchildren Chris Armstrong (Kelly), Lisa Brohman (Sean), Sarah Hammerton (Eddie), James Hammerton (Romney), Thomas Hammerton (Vinka) and seven great-grandchildren.

“A Life Well Lived”

A memorial service will be held on June 11, 2026 at Brock & Visser Funeral Home, 845 Devonshire Ave, Woodstock ON (519-539-0004) at 1:00pm in the chapel with reception to follow.

Donations gratefully accepted in Eileen’s memory for VON Sakura House and Sweaburg United Church.