Lynda B. Hammarstedt

Lynda “Joey” Brandeau Hammarstedt passed away September 19, 2024 peacefully at home after a short two-month battle with cancer. Words cannot do justice as to what a beautiful, amazing woman she was nor how much she’ll be missed.

She was born January 29, 1955 to the late Dr. Donald and Dorothy Mae Brandeau, the oldest of 4 siblings who’ve maintained a special bond and close relationship throughout the years. She graduated from Crystal Lake Central High School in 1973 where she made many lifelong friends and met Paul Hammarstedt, whom she would later date and marry. She graduated from Marquette University in 1977 with a degree in dental hygiene, a profession she loyally enjoyed for 43 years working for her father’s practice which he later passed on to the wonderful Dr. Tim Sullivan. She made many lasting professional and personal relationships with patients and coworkers who became lifelong friends.

She married Paul on December 1, 1979 and the two simply could not have been a more perfect match throughout their 45+ years together exemplifying true love and steadfast commitment. She lived her life with joy, kindness, humor, optimism, and a smile. Her most treasured times were spent as a wife, daughter, mother, sister, and grandmother all of which were roles she cherished beyond measure. She outperformed all of us in each role leaving a lasting impact on our lives and our hearts. She did innumerable big things and little things, all with perfection and joy. She guided us through triumph, illness, heartbreak, and success; supported her grandchildren like another parent; and did many little but treasurable things like sewing unique Halloween costumes for her daughters, maintaining a fish tank at their elementary school where she volunteered for everything, nursing ill pets to health, befriending everyone she met, engaging in crafts, experiments, sledding, vacations, and other random adventures with her grandkids, finding and appreciating humor with ease, and supporting us in ways we didn’t even know we needed. She was ever-ready to selflessly devote her time and attention to anyone in need; gave extra life, love, and care to all; made everything fun and had fun doing everything; and lit up every room with her smile and cheer. She will be missed beyond measure but will forever guide us in love and spirit.

She is survived by her loving husband, Paul; her daughters, Katie Akers and Amy Hammarstedt; her grandchildren Sydney and Owen Akers; her siblings, Don Brandeau, Brad (Raina Dey) Brandeau, and Barb (Bill Barwa); parents-in-law, Deane and Joan Hammarstedt; brothers-in-law, Eric (Tammy) and Dave (Denise) Hammarstedt; sister- in-law Dr. Kirsten Kershaw (Dr. Joe Herba); nieces/nephews, Leah Hammarstedt (Tim Behrens), Kyla Riley (Eric Mouroukas), David (Moira) Hammarstedt, Emily Barwa, Nico Brandeau, Will Kershaw (Maddie Fox), Alex Kershaw, and Sophie Kershaw; and her beloved dog, Yogi.

An open house-style celebration of life/visitation will be held Saturday October 5, 2024 from 1:00-5:00pm at The Quarry Bar & Grill, 5517 Northwest Highway in Crystal Lake.

In keeping with her cheerful nature, we aim to brighten the event with an uplifting atmosphere. In lieu of flowers, please help carry her spirit forward by smiling or saying hello to a stranger, helping someone in need, or finding a way to demonstrate kindness to others.