Karen Hamm

Karen Denise Hamm, 57 of Columbus, Ohio, daughter of Bud Joseph Hamm, Joann Rice Hamm and step mother Barbara Hamm, passed away  due to pulmonary embolism.

She was proceeded in death by her brother Jonathan Eric Hamm of Columbus, Ohio, her nephew Christopher Breitigam and great nephew Chase Breitigam. She is survived by her sisters Debra Swihart of Fostoria, OH, Rebecca Clawson of McConnelsville, OH and surviving brothers are Gregory Hamm, Columbus, OH, Jeffery Hamm, San Antonio, TX.  She is also survived by her nieces Amy Breitigam, Staci Aisles, Jill Hamm, she is survived by her nephews Eric Breitigam, Levi Clawson, Caleb Clawson, Jonas Clawson, Brian Hamm, Ben Hamm in addition fourteen great nieces and nephews.

Karen Hamm was a scholar of gratitude. A student of kindness. And a person full of hope.  Karen touched everyone she met and quietly offered those paying attention important life lessons.  She taught the true meaning of selflessness, hope, passion, and equality.  Karen was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She loved spending time with her nieces and nephews and cherished any and all updates in their lives. Karen spent all her adult life passionately working and trail blazing for equal rights for all minorities to ensure that no matter who you were you were treated equally and with kindness. Karen was a significant builder and contributor to the Stonewall Center in Columbus, Ohio where her legacy will live forever. Those who knew Karen know that the world will be a little less bright without this beautiful selfless soul there are no words for how much she will truly be missed.

A great quote by an amazing poet Maya Angelou, sums up who Karen Hamm was, and almost seems written especially for her,

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

We are asking in lieu of flowers to please send a donation to The Stonewall Center, 1160 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201 in Karen’s name.