Gayle Hamer

Gayle Gowdy Hamer

October 5, 1942-March 20, 2025

Gayle Hamer was born in Oak Park, Illinois, and spent most of her childhood and high school years in Menlo Park, California. She attended and graduated from the University of Colorado, where she met and married John Hamer during their senior year.

The couple moved to Berkeley, California, where they spent a few fun-filled years while John earned his master's degree at UC Berkeley. They later returned to Boulder, where they built their life and raised their two children, Shannon and Ty.

Gayle was an avid tennis player and also enjoyed golfing. A passionate football fan, she cheered on the Colorado Buffaloes and Denver Broncos until the very end. She found joy in knitting and crafting, dedicating much of her time to making skull caps for military personnel and soft, cozy hats for chemotherapy patients.

She was instrumental in founding Santa's House at the Boulder Pi Beta Phi house, benefiting the Boulder Women's Safehouse. She devoted countless hours to volunteering, using her crafting talents to support the cause.

Gayle passed away with her son and daughter by her side, having spent her final months surrounded by family and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John, with whom she shared 55 years of marriage.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Shannon and Noel Bennett, and their two children, and her son and daughter-in-law, Ty and Kim Hamer, and their two children.

In honor of Gayle's generous spirit, donations may be made to the following organizations:

Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence: www.domesticshelters.org

Humane Society of Boulder Valley: www.boulderhumane.org

TRU Community Care Hospice:www.trucare.org