Jewel Hammond Denning died at home on August 5, 2015 in Holladay, Utah at the age of 82.
Jewel was born on January 21, 1933 in Patchogue, New York to William Bushley Hammond and Catherine Irvine (Stevenson) Hammond. She received her RN from Southhampton Hospital School of Nursing and her BS from Columbia University. She was a nurse for over 50 years and transitioned to being a chaplain at the hospital after her retirement. She was married to Roy Louis Denning for 46 years until his passing in 2006. Jewel was a 50 year member of the Order of Eastern Star and Past Grand Matron of Utah. She was also a member of PEO in Utah and Florida.
Jewel was a loving mother and grandmother. She encouraged each of her children to pursue their goals and led by example. She would smile at everyone when going down the street or through the store; brightening the world one smile at a time.
Jewel had a very deep faith and was comforted by it. She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Salt Lake City for over 40 years. After she and Roy moved to Florida, they became active in Community United Methodist Church. After she moved back to Salt Lake, she attended First United Methodist Church. While staying at Cottonwood Creek Assisted Living Center, she attended the LDS Church Services.
Jewel is survived by her children, Patricia, Robert and Cynthia; brother, William B Hammond; grandson, William (April) Roy; great-grandchildren, Tearsyn, Davin and Kalor; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband.
The family would like to thank Dr. Erik Van Slooten, Dr. Cody Mecham and the staff at Holladay Chiropractic Center for helping her for many years. They would also like to thank Suzanne at A Step Forward Hospice for her care and concern during Jewel\s final days. It meant a lot to her family to bring her home. The family would also like to thank her nephew Keith Hammond for traveling from Scotland to be with the family.
A memorial service is scheduled for August 15, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel at Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City. At 1:00 p.m., a ceremony to inter the ashes of Roy and Jewel will be held at the Rose Garden at Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Operation Smile (http://www.operationsmile.org); Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (http://bestfriends.org); Florida United Methodist Children\s Home (http://www.fumch.org) or to the charity of your choice.
