Honoring Mom's Wishes

by Betsy Pankonin

My brother Joe had a silly sense of humor and a pleasant demeanor that drew people in. He lived at home for 38 years with mom and dad, and was served by Hammer Residences for 21 years until he passed away peacefully in April. Thanks to my mom Betty, who was always a planner, the funeral arrangements were taken care of—and then some—all the way down to the flowers.

Knowing what was important to mom for Joe, was one less thing for me to worry about in the midst of all the sadness and chaos. Having a plan in place to follow provided me with the peace of mind to know I was honoring mom’s wishes and continuing her legacy of providing for Joe.

My family and I knew we would be directing memorials for Joe to Hammer just as mom had requested we do for her. When mom passed away in 2017, although she didn’t have much, she made sure to give a little money to each of us kids. When Joe passed, my sister Mary and I just knew that mom would like some of that money to go to Hammer. His group home caregivers provided such a loving and caring home for our brother, we made gifts in Joe’s memory to cover the house needs, as a way to say Thank You.