Vicki Kay (Peterson) Hammel

The Reverend Vicki Kay Hammel

March 24, 1947 - May 25, 2025

Vicki Hammel died peacefully at home, surrounded by her beloved family, including all five of her children and her seven cherished grandchildren. She was 78 years old.

Born in Pueblo, Colorado to Jay Goodwin Peterson and Caroline Lilly Keyes-Peterson, Vicki graduated from the University of Utah and later the Andover Newton Theological School. Endlessly curious and adventurous, a young Vicki set off to see what was happening in Haight-Ashbury, birthplace of the 1960s counterculture movement, exploring the revolution alongside the likes of Janis Joplin. While in San Francisco, she dabbled in acting, taking classes with Howard Hesseman of “WKRP in Cincinnati” fame. Later in life, she would continue to indulge her acting bug, appearing in Metrowest Family Theater's stage productions of "Suessical", "Footloose", "Oliver!" and "The Sound of Music" (her youngest daughter’s community theater), as well as appearing in the four movies in the Hammel family franchise “Smoke Island.”

As an ordained minister (United Church of Christ) who served many churches over the years, she prioritized pastoral care and helping everyone on their individual spiritual journeys. All were welcome in Vicki’s world. A sought-after minister, known for her authenticity, humor, grace, and deep compassion for humanity, she baptised each of her seven grandchildren, and was often the officiant of choice for many of her children’s friends’ weddings. An activist and proud Democrat, Vicki never hesitated to speak out against injustice, particularly on behalf of underserved communities and children. She was a champion of peace and all that is good and just in the world. She also served as an active member of the Sudbury School Committee, where she left a lasting legacy of advocacy, particularly for children with disabilities. She dedicated her life to serving others and was a steadfast advocate for all of God’s children.

Vicki loved children, flowers, angels, the Celtics, animals, and cooking for her family. She was an avid reader, a talented writer and speaker, and an adventurous traveler. Vicki lived her life as a humble servant, always caring for others and never expecting anything in return. She quietly gave her time and treasure to many organizations and causes close to her heart, such as Act Blue, Framingham Cultural Council, Memorial Congregational Church’s Faith in Action ministry, the Sudbury School Committee, the Sudbury Commission on Disability, her children’s charities, and the Heifer Project, to name just a few. Her favorite role was that of mother and grandmother. She supported her children wholeheartedly in every endeavor and passion.

Witty, smart, courageous, faithful, and clever, Vicki will always be remembered for her fabulous life advice, her funny sayings, and the thoughtful ways in which she made people feel seen, heard, and loved. She was quick with loving, encouraging words that inspired and uplifted everyone, no matter where they were in life. To receive a hug from Vicki was to be wrapped in love, kindness, and understanding. A generous giver of gifts and praise, her love was offered in abundance to everyone who was lucky enough to know her. She will be deeply missed, but perhaps most of all, it is her compassionate heart and her constant efforts to make the world a better place that will leave the greatest space in our hearts.

During her final years earth side, she happily lived in “Grandma’s Hotel,” spending meaningful and beautiful days with her precious children and grandchildren. Sunday dinners, raucous holidays overflowing with noise, laughter, and traditions, and everyday conversations about anything and everything were the moments she treasured most. She was happiest when with her family.

She is predeceased by her parents and her dear sister, Linda Emerson. She is survived by her five beloved children (Sara Hammel, Jed Hammel, Eliza Hammel, Jason Hammel, and Samantha Bower), her daughter- and sons-in-law (Chris Wragg, Ed Smith, Angie Holbrook, and John Bower), her sister, Christi Felt, her brothers-in-law, George Emerson and Rob Felt, and her cherished grandchildren (James, Miles, and Lucas Bower, Charles and Matthew Hammel, and Josephine and Teddy Smith).

The family will hold a private service later this year. In lieu of flowers, donations in Vicki’s memory may be made to www.feedingamerica.org, www.childrenshospital.org and/or www.heifer.org. 

To share a memory or offer a condolence visit: www.fowlerkennedyfuneralhome.com

“Go out into the world and preach the gospel, and, if necessary, use words.”