Eva Marie Hamby

Eva Marie Hamby, nee van de Witt, was born in Munich, Germany on May 1st, 1929. As a young woman after the war, she worked in an American army hospital as a secretary where she met her first husband, Lee, an American soldier, and had 2 children, John and Ruth. Lee died in an accident at the age of 23. 4 years later she got engaged to her second husband, Jesse, also an American soldier, and began the process of getting a sponsorship to move to the U.S and then got married. She finally arrived in America in 1953 sending for John and Ruth 2 years later. With Jesse she had a daughter, Deborah. She and Jesse divorced in 1960. She then commenced to raise all three children by herself without financial support or any assistance programs.

Having learned excellent English while in school as well as at the army hospital, she was able to secure a job at St. Joseph's Hospital in Denver as a secretary in the pathology department. She then moved on to become a transcriptionist for pathology, no easy feat for someone whose first language was not English! Later in her career at St. Joseph's, she became the administrative assistant to the pathology group, Western Pathology. She retired after almost 40 years and started a second career as a wildlife rehabilitation volunteer. Over the years she rehabilitated squirrels, ducks, racoons, birds and one little skunk named Stinkerbell....what else?

Eva was also an advocate for animal rights throughout her long life. She loved her garden and flowers, the beach and the mountains, good food, going back to visit family in Germany and lots of laughter. She had a great sense of humor and was always up for a playing a good joke on people or any hijinks in general.

Eva was in the care of Denver Hospice while able to stay in her home for the last 5 months of her life. Her youngest granddaughter Shannon, moved in with her so she could have around the clock care. She is survived by her 3 children, son-in-law Larry, and 3 grandchildren, Mira, Hilary and Shannon. She died on May 10th, is dearly missed already and will be forever. Rest in peace, Mom and Oma.

In her memory, donations may be sent to The Wild Animal Sanctuary, 2999 County Road 53, Keenesburg, CO. 80643