Mary Hammel

Mary Beatty Sutter Hammel died on May 9, 2026, in Margaretville, NY after a long life marked by devotion, curiosity, and an enduring independent spirit. She was 98 years old. Born on October 23, 1927, in Staten Island, New York, Mary lived a life shaped by faith, family, learning, and a deep appreciation for the world around her.

Mary was the oldest of eight children born to Leonard and Marie Sutter. The family was raised in a 3 BR, 1 bath house, which she and her siblings remembered fondly and with humor through their lifelong close relationships lasting to the very last day of her life. Mary was raised with the conviction that hard work and education were of the highest priority and she fed her natural curiosity with new experiences and challenges throughout her life.

She was a proud alumna of the College Mount St. Vincent in Riverdale, NY and Hunter College in NYC with a BS in Chemistry and an MS in Chemistry and Education.  She treasured her year abroad at Sillery College in Quebec. She married Jack Hammel in 1952 in Staten Island, NY, then as their family grew they established homes in Skaneateles, NY then in Darien, CT. She earned a second masters degree in mathematics at the University of Bridgeport after her children were were enrolled in elementary school, and then became a mathematics teacher in the Darien and  Norwalk Connecticut public schools. After her divorce, she lived in Rowayton, CT; Chapel Hill, NC; and in the Upper West Side of New York City. In her final years she was cared for in the Catskills. 

Mary was always interested in better understanding the world, and she brought that same thoughtful attention to every part of her life. She was a lifelong reader of The Economist, Barron’s, the Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times, and she especially enjoyed learningabout investments. Her instincts, developed by years of observation, were acute and she was able to make herself completely financially independent in her later years by her early and continuing investments in the tech market. Her mind was sharp, her opinions were informed, and she remained engaged with current events and practical matters throughout her life. 

She treasured her independence, enjoying simple pleasures and an active life. She was an accomplished bird watcher. In retirement, she traveled to remote national parks by herself, pitching her tent and hoisting a kevlarcanoe on and off the top of her car to get closer to new species. She was not interested in fashion or jewelry but she had the top of the line Swarovski binoculars around her neck to aid her in her pursuits.

She was adventurous at heart and in 1970 took all seven of her children on a ten-week journey across the United States in a motorhome, camping at national parks along the way. That trip reflected the spirit that so many admired in her, which was curious, capable, and eager to experience life fully. Her children remember this trip with great love. 

Mary was also a devoted parishioner and was active in her church community. Her faith was a steady presence in her life and a source of comfort, purpose, and connection. She lived her beliefs quietly and consistently through her actions, her kindness, and her commitment to those around her.

Mary leaves behind her seven children: Ann Marie (Sam) Abate of Mt. Kisco, NY; John (Joyce) Hammel of Seattle, WA and Palm Springs, CA; MJ (Rolf) Reiss of Phoenicia, NY; Sally Hammel of New York City and Phoenicia, NY; Frank (Mie) Hammel of Las Vegas, NV, June (Wendell)Anderson of Waitsfield, VT; and Jim (Deborah) Hammel of West Simsbury, CT. She leaves behind eleven grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Mary was a truly unconventional mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend. She earned the respect and adoration of all seven of her children.  A Memorial Mass is to be celebrated at the St. Francis de Sales Church, Main Street Phoenicia on August 1, at a time to be announced, with Fr. Tom Wilhelm as celebrant. You may share a special memory, photo, or condolence on Mary’s Tribute Wall at www.gormleyfunueralhome.com. Mark Wilsey is honored to assist the Hammel Family. 

 

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