Mary Josephine “Mary Jo” Hamaker was born on August 26, 1950 in Butte, MT to Hugh and Josephine McDermott and passed peacefully on February 12, 2021 due to complications of her recurring breast cancer. She began her education at St. Josephs Elementary school and graduated from Butte Central in 1968. She married her soulmate and best friend, Tom, on November 08, 1969. Mary Jo had three wonderful daughters Sharon, Janelle, and Shauna. Mary Jo’s pride and joy was her family. She was proud of her daughters and grandchildren and never missed a chance to speak about them. Gardening was one of her favorite hobbies and spent all her free time with her flowers. Mary Jo was creative and enjoyed coming up with new ideas for crafts. Mary Jo was strong, selfless, and loved unconditionally. Mary Jo was employed as a CNA in the healthcare field in Butte, Billings, and Dillon. She retired from St. James Healthcare in 2015. Shortly after Mary Jo retired, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was able to make friends wherever she was and had many close friends that she called family.
Mary Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Josephine and Hugh McDermott, her brother, Hugh McDermott, her mother and father-in-law, Virginia and Lester Hamaker, and brother-in-law, Larry Hamaker.
Mary Jo is survived by her husband, Tom Hamaker, daughters Sharon (Patrick) Sanders of Butte, Janelle Hamaker of Butte, and Shauna (Shane) Morse of Anaconda. Her grandchildren, TJ Hamaker of Butte, Kylee Hamaker of Butte, Carley (Troy) Johnson of Butte, Greg Hamaker of Butte, Jenna Sanders of Butte, Cobey Strommen of Anaconda, and Kira Morse of Anaconda. Her great grandchildren, Brinlee Bumgarner of Butte, as well as her unborn grandchild due in 2021. Her sister Celestine (Tom) Turner of Butte. Nieces, Shannon Sampson of Butte, Jolene Turner of Butte, and Kathleen Dunn of Washington State. Nephew, David McDermott of Washington State. As well as numerous great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Montana Hope Project. P.O Box 5927, Helena, MT 59604.
As per Mary’s request, no services will be held. She will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery at a later date.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Mary.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Mary and her family.
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Janet dill says
Tom and family so sorry for your loss. Knowing Mary Jo she left you with many happy memories that will keep you chuckling. Hugs to all of you. David and Janet Dill
Dee and Bruce Chatriand says
So sorry for your loss of a wonderful lady. She loved you all so much and may memories keep her close and comfort you.
Denis Pitman says
Please be assured of my thoughts and prayers!
Debbie Vingom says
Janelle, Sharon and Shauna Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.🙏🏻
Cheryl Kelly Fitzpatrick says
Tom, Carly and family,
Sending you thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Mary Jo took care of my dad while he was in the hospital. Great lady. Msy she RIP
Mae Mattern says
My Thoughts and Prayers are with you all. Mary jo was a longtime friend from grade school. She was always smiling and fun loving, always there when you needed a friend, Go with GOD my dear friend.
Mary Camp says
Mary Jo was like a ray of sunshine. I am so sorry for your loss and will keep you in my prayers. Take care.
Cathy "Moe" Goodwin says
Prayers to the family Mary Jo is a lady of grace and will be sorely missed
Sarah Zink says
You guys are in my prayers. Mary Jo was one of those people you meet, and feel like you’ve known her all your life. She was opinionated and had a great sense of humor! She is definitely missed. Sending all my love to the family.
Elena Nelson says
My heart goes out to all of yoy. I’m so sorry for your loss. Love to the entire family Elena
Lois Schuett says
My thoughts are with all of you…. May you all find comfort in the memories you have
Heather Johnson says
Tom and girls. I loved your mom so much. She loved her family so much and was proud of each one of you. We had a great time working together at HKM. Then when she went to work at ST. James she took excellent care of some of my family. My prayers are for each of you and I know that all her special memories will get you thru this. Take care
Connie Padrotti says
My Deepest Sympathy to Family and Friends
Erin McCarthy Schmidt says
I spent almost as much time at my own home as I did at the Hamaker house during summer vacations. I have so many memories of us six girls all together. It felt like my extended family, and Mary Jo treated us like her own, even assigning us chores. You are all in my prayers, may you find peace in your memories.
Jamie Seymour says
Janelle and family I am so sorry to hear about your mom. She was a wonderful person always up beat and smiling. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sharon Crase says
So sorry for your loss. Mary Jo was the best of the best. She will be missed by everyone that knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you ❤️❤️❤️
Anonymous says
Tom and extended family, my heart aches for you all. Mary Jo will be missed by so many as she has that special effect on people. I send my prayers to you all and pray you find some peace. I send a hug to each and every one of you especially you Tom. May Mary Jo rest in peace, I will never forget this wonderful lady. Peace and prayers!
Kim Williamson
Steve Apgar says
Tom, sorry to see this news. I cannot even imagine your loss as I reflect on how important Mary Jo was in your life. All of us who know you know what an amazing family you are. With deepest condolences ,
Jennifer Fanyak says
Although it has been many years since I had the opportunity to know Mary Jo, I remember her contagious smile and kind heart. My condolences to Tom and family
Debbie Webster says
Tom and family, so sorry for your loss. Mary Jo was a shinning light for do many. She always had a smile on her face and love in her heart. I don’t think she ever met a stranger and if she did they weren’t for long. I started working with Mary Jo in the 70’s she was very dedicated, hard working and a great team worker. Mary Jo I will miss our lunch dates, your smile and laugh. Fly high my friend
Lynda and Ron DeWitt says
Our sincere sympathy to Tom and all the family of Mary Jo. It was an honor to call Mary Jo a friend, co-worker and most of all to share family connections. Heaven has gained an amazing woman who cared for anyone in need.
Gaylynn Broga says
So sorry to hear of the passing of MaryJo. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.