Obituary of Vivian Hammers Baumer

Vivian "Dolly" Hammers Baumer, 64, of State College, PA, died suddenly on Friday, March 3, 2017 at her home. Born October 29, 1952 in Altoona, PA, she was a daughter of the late Edgar V. and Vivian M. (Teufel) Hammers. A younger brother, Joseph Hammers, proceeded her in death in 2011. Dolly leaves behind her daughter Mary B. Boyle (Nicolas), son-in-law's mother, Debbie Boyle, and her three beloved grandchildren Mackenzie, Blythe and Roark, all of State College. She is survived by her siblings, Edgar V. (Dixie) Hammers Jr. of James Creek, PA; Dr. Lynwood (Elaine) Hammers of Trumbull, CT; Patricia (Jeff) Hodgson of Pine Grove Mills, PA and Mary (Kevin) Hallahan of Huntingdon, PA. Along with 11 Nieces and Nephews and their significant others, Matthew Hammers (Tiffany Cullen), Erika (Gary) Lesser, Dr. Margaret Hallahan (Dr. Gregor Thebaud), Jeffrey Hodgson, Christopher (Ana) Hammers, Hadley (Doug) Bloom, Olivia Hallahan (Todd Davis), Drew (Sarah) Hodgson, Ben Hodgson (Brittany Broach), and Andrew Hallahan. She has also been blessed with six great nieces and nephews. Dolly grew up in Aitch, Huntingdon County, and later James Creek, PA. She graduated with high honors from Huntingdon Area HS in 1970 while participating and lettering in both field hockey and track & field; and was a member of the basketball team. As a child, she was a 4-H and Girl Scout member. Throughout high school, she continued Girl Scouts. The bond of the troop remained strong with reunions occurring each year after graduation. Dolly later became a leader in both organizations for her daughter. While attending college, in the summers, Dolly was a Girl Scout counselor at Camp Barree in Huntingdon County. The friendships she made during the summers at camp have remained strong. Dolly graduated from Shippensburg State College (University) in 1974 with a BA in biology. She was employed as Research Support Associate at Penn State from 1978 until 2012. As manager of a research lab, she thoroughly enjoyed working with many undergraduate and graduate students through the years. She was involved with the teaching of the computer labs for the Feed and Feed Technology Class and for several other classes including Beef Production, Sheep Production, and Advanced Canine Nutrition. As an undergraduate advisor, she enjoyed helping students select classes, but most of all, helping them realize their passion and vocation. Being an advisor brought Dolly joy by being able to work with the students and witnessing the personal growth of each from freshman to senior year. In 2005, she became a Block & Bridle Club Advisor. She was the "mom" away from home for many students. After retirement, she continued to advise the club. This year was going to be her last year as an advisor, and she was very much looking forward to the 100th Little International. When Dolly wasn't spending time at home with her beloved grandchildren, daughter, son-in-law and his mother, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, or many friends, over breakfast or lunch, she enjoyed reading Science Fiction novels, and catching up on her favorite shows. She also enjoyed attending and traveling to her daughter's, nieces and nephews sporting, scouting and academic endeavors. In the summer months, she enjoyed visiting the many sights and towns that dotted the Pennsylvania landscape. And enjoyed exploring "out west" with her family. Dolly could be found in the kitchen cooking for special family get-togethers, baking cookies or cakes, or preparing her famous fudge and sweets for the Christmas season. Dolly was a bargain hunter; always looking for the best deals on sale whether food or other necessities. She was a strong and generous woman who gave of her talents, time, and monetary contributions. She will be remembered as a loving person with a big heart, a contagious smile and her daughter's number one fan. Family and friends will be received on Friday, March 10, 2017 from 1-3pm and 6-8pm at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. Funeral Services will be Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 11:00 A.M, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Pkwy, State College. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the scholarship she created for a beloved friend and colleague, by sending a check payable to Penn State, with "Oravec Award" in the memo along with "in memory of Vivian Hammers Baumer," to Office of Development, 241 Ag Admin. Bldg., University Park, PA 16802. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.