BRUNSWICK - Verona Laydon Hammer, 91, of Brunswick, Maine, died on April 14, 2019, at her home. She was born on June 27, 1927, to Edwin T. Laydon and Marion Hamling in Meriden, Conn.

Verona was a lifelong learner and creative thinker. She especially loved the world of nature. She always had a garden, and spent many years hiking and camping in the northwest and western states. She was an accomplished quilter and watercolor artist. 

Verona equally enjoyed spending time with family and friends and by herself pursuing an artistic endeavor. She could always find a hands-on project for children to get involved with or an adventure to go on. She made friends wherever she went and was always willing to help someone in need. She had a subtle sense of humor not always apparent or shared openly. She was a wonderful conversationalist and story teller in her own quiet way. She was a good listener, being easy to talk to. She was genuinely interested in the lives of her family and friends. Verona never complained, no matter what challenge she or a loved one faced.

Verona stayed at home to raise her children with husband, Angelo Dus, in West Stockbridge, Mass. Later she was employed in jewelry sales, appraising and grading diamonds and colored gemstones in Seattle, Wash., Billings, Mont., and Great Barrington, Mass. She settled in Great Barrington, where she remained for 25 years, enjoying golf , family, friends, and winters in Florida with her husband, Paul Hammer.

She is predeceased by her parents; husband, Paul L. Hammer; and daughter, Maria M. Miller.

Verona is survived by a brother, Edwin T. Laydon; son, Peter A. Dus; daughter, Lois A Smith; grandchildren, Teresa Bills, Lora Kozlowski, Peter Dus Jr., Beth Dean, Katie Miller, Charlotte Cunningham, Christine Cunningham; and great grandchildren, Alexandra Bills, Karissa Kozlowski, Josh Kozlowski, Oliver Dean and Asher Dean.

There will be a Celebration of Life at the Backwater Grille, 42 Queechy Lake Drive, Canaan, N.Y. on Saturday, May 11, 2019, at 1 p.m. For more information, call 413-441-9935.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.KincerFuneralHome.com

Arrangements are under the care of Kincer Funeral Home, Richmond. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of one's choice or the American Cancer Society.