Obituary of Sylvia Hammermaster

Sylvia Hammermaster, born Sylvia Lenn Morse, died on January 19, 2024 after a short but faithful battle with cancer. Sylvia was born in 1938 and grew up in Buckley, Washington with her sister Barbara. Sylvia spent her senior year in Tacoma and graduated from Stadium High School.  She then attended Washington State University receiving a Bachelor’s in Education. While a grade-school teacher, Sylvia met Gene Hammermaster at the Tacoma/Pierce county courthouse and they eventually married. Together they settled down in Sumner. Their house on Academy Street has been known for decades for its well kept lawn and gardens. Sylvia and Gene travelled together, exploring their home state and many different places across the country, even making it across the ocean to England. 

Sylvia was both a product of her generation and a pioneer in her own right. In a time when women were pursuing many different opportunities, Sylvia chose to build a beautiful home for her husband and son, creating a safe haven that celebrated simplicity, beauty, grace and love. Sylvia spent her later years pouring her time into her six grandchildren, teaching them how to cook and reading to them beloved stories and testimonies. Sylvia lived by example her Christian faith; she was a steadfast member of Valley Bible church and a blessing to all who knew her. 

Sylvia is survived by her son David, his wife Susan, and their six children, Bethany (and Samuel) Gamboa, Michaela (and Clayton) Wilson, Kate Hammermaster, Nate (and Claire) Hammermaster, Allison (and Kayto) Krueger, and Sarah Hammermaster. Also eight great-grandchildren (Emmett, Gwen, Darian and Faye Gamboa; Gene, Genevieve, Zeke and Levi Wilson), and two nieces, Jane Richou and Sylvia Nelson. 

Her legacy lies not in what she has left behind but how she lived her life and the memories of her love will be passed down for generations. Sylvia joins her husband and Heavenly Father in glory. She will be greatly missed. 

A memorial service for Sylvia will be held on Saturday, February 10 at 11am at Riverside Free Will Baptist Church at 14024 Stewart Rd SE in Sumner.