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Hamer, Sylvia J.

Hamer, Sylvia J. image
Parent Issue
Day
13
Month
December
Year
1993
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Donated by the Ann Arbor News. © The Ann Arbor News.
Obituary
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Hamer, Sylvia J.

Chelsea, MI

Formerly of Ann Arbor

Age 93, died Saturday, December 11, 1993 at Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born July 9, 1900 in Peck, MI, the daughter of Melvin and Myrtle (Hiliker) Cole. In 1927 she married Ellsworth G. Hamer and he preceded her in death on January 26, 1985. Following a professional career in ballet, Mrs. Hamer established Sylvia Studio of Dance in 1932 which continues to be directed by her granddaughter Lee Ann King. She created the first regional civic ballet company in Michigan, the Ann Arbor Civic Ballet, and served as its director until her retirement. She was a fellow of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance of England and a charter member of the Cecchetti Council of America, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of instruction of dance teachers. Mrs. Hamer was a member of the First United Methodist Church and a charter member of the Women’s City Club. Survivors include one son, Jay B. (Wanda) King of Manchester; a stepson, Austin (Ina) Hamer of Washington State; three grandchildren, JoAnn (Monty) Okey of Manchester, John King of Ypsilanti and Lee Ann King of Manchester; seven great grandchildren, Ryan Shankland, Jennifer, Jeno, Jon, Ben, Katie, and Elizabeth Okey; one sister, Doris (Bob) Wheeler of St. Clair, MI. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Ardis Mae Wendling, three brothers and two sisters. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held 5 p.m. Friday, December 17, 1993 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Russell L. Smith officiating. Memorial tributes may be made to the Sylvia Hamer Scholarship Fund—Ann Arbor Civic Ballet or First United Methodist Church. Arrangements by MUEHLIG CHAPEL.