Pamela "Pam" Hammers

Pamela "Pam" Anne Hammers (Pisney), 62, Cedar Falls, died Wednesday, January 4, 2023. If you knew Pam, you can imagine the fight she waged and you'd almost pity the cancer.

Pam was born in Cedar Rapids, IA to Donald and Dorothy (Justin) Pisney on February 20, 1960.  In 1978 she graduated from CR Washington and in 1983 from the University of Northern Iowa with a BS in Earth Science.

In 1984 she married Terry L Hammers. She balanced her warrior's spirit by finding the love of her life in Terry Hammers.  Terry was the kindest, gentlest, most joyful man you could ever hope to meet. When she lost Terry at 38, she balanced her warrior's spirit by becoming a healer through Shiatsu and by surrounding herself with warm, loving, joyful friends.  Pam spent the majority of her life in the Cedar Falls area.  Earning certifications in Reki, she owned and operated Hammers Shiatsu Clinic.

They say you die the way you lived, and Pam Hammers died a warrior's death. She fought for everything she ever got.  She fought her way through Crohn's Disease without medication. She fought her way to a degree in Geology through crippling abdominal pain. Pam was also an accomplished Martial Artist, earning her 6th Dan in traditional Naha-Te.  She ran a private martial arts dojo for years, teaching others to harness their power, face their fears, and know when it's time to fight and when it's time to walk away.

Pam made no apologies for who she was.  It was her way or the highway.  And if you were in her 'pack' you knew it.

She knew how to balance hard and soft. When to use each, and when to use both. She knew that fighting isn't always about winning.  Sometimes the fight is in the letting go.

She knew that inner battles were the hardest, and would challenge each of us to face our fears and be our unabashed selves.

Pam was preceded in death by her husband Terry Hammers and father Donald Pisney.  She is survived by her mother Dorothy Pisney; brother Ed (Karen) Pisney; niece and nephews Samuel, Abigail, Nathan and Zachary Pisney; Uncle Bob and Aunt Sherrie Justin and Cousin Becky (Ron) Marinelli.

Pam also had close personal friends who saw her through good times and bad, they had each other's back.  The family would especially like to thank Cara Briggs Farmer, Linda Dirlam, Katherine and Gary Fagersten for their friendship and selfless sacrifices and all those who knew her warrior's spirit.

A Celebration of Life service will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 10 at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home, Cedar Falls.  Visitation will be from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Monday, January 9 at the funeral home; resuming at 10:00 AM on Tuesday at the funeral home until the time of service.  There will be a private family inurnment at Oak Hill Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Memorials may be directed to Pam's family.