Dianne Hamer

Dianne Hamer, nee Pieper, died June 22, 2009 at Enloe Hospital in Chico, California. She was 67. Dianne was born in Willows, California to Vernon and Margaret Claire Robinson Pieper, the second of three children. She attended Kanawha School, and Glenn County High School, graduating in 1959. She attended Chico State College and later trained as a medical technologist. She worked in that profession until she retired. After her first marriage ended in divorce, Dianne moved from San Jose, California to Eugene, Oregon, where she helped establish the first free women's clinic, White Bird. She married Skip Hamer in 1975 and they moved to Omaha, Nebraska where they lived until his death. She then made Chico her home. Throughout her life Dianne loved music, and for many years was a member of AROW, a recorder group specializing in medieval music. She always supported educational causes and made it her habit to learn at least one new subject thoroughly each year-from sign language to snow camping. She was known for her dry quick wit and good humor, a trait that will be much missed by her friends. Dianne is survived by her sister, Sandra Larson of Shafter, CA; her brother, John Pieper of Fortuna, California; nieces, Tanya Rodgers (Fields Landing, CA) and Kristin Meranda (Washington Crossing, PA); nephew, Erik Larson (Bakersfield, CA), and a host of close friends. A memorial service will be held in her honor at Brusie Funeral Home in Chico at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 18, 2009. Donations may be made in her name to the Butte County Library, 1108 Sherman Avenue, Chico, CA 95926 in Chico.