Verona Laydon Hammer, 91, of Brunswick, Maine, died April 14, 2019, at her home.
She was born June 27, 1927, to Edwin T. Laydon and Marion Hamling in Meriden, Connecticut. Verona was a lifelong learner and creative thinker. She especially loved the world of nature. She always had a garden, and spent many years hiking and camping in the Northwest and Western states. She was an accomplished quilter and watercolor artist.
Verona stayed at home to raise her children with husband Angelo Dus in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Later, she was employed in jewelry sales, appraising and grading diamonds and colored gemstones in Seattle, Washington; Billings, Montana; and Great Barrington, Massachusetts. She settled in Great Barrington, where she remained for 25 years, enjoying golf, family, friends and winters in Florida with her husband, Paul Hammer.
Verona equally enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and by herself pursuing an artistic endeavor. She could always find a hands-on project for children to get involved with or an adventure to go on. She made friends wherever she went and was always willing to help someone in need. She had a subtle sense of humor not always apparent or shared openly. She was a wonderful conversationalist and storyteller in her own quiet way. She was a good listener and easy to talk to. She was genuinely interested in the lives of her family and friends. Verona never complained, no matter what challenge she or a loved one faced.
Verona is survived by brother, Edwin T. Laydon; son Peter A. Dus; daughter Lois A. Smith; grandchildren Teresa Bills, Lora Kozlowski, Peter Dus Jr., Beth Dean, Katie Miller, Charlotte Cunningham and Christine Cunningham; and great-grandchildren Alexandra Bills, Karissa Kozlowski, Josh Kozlowski, Oliver Dean and Asher Dean. She was predeceased by her parents, husband Paul L. Hammer and daughter Maria M. Miller.
There will be a celebration of life Saturday, May 11, 2019, at 1 p.m. at the Backwater Grille, 42 Queechy Lake Drive, Canaan, New York. For more information, call (413) 441-9935. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice or the American Cancer Society.
