Community gathers for Rosa Nell Hammer’s 106th birthday

Ibis Valdés, Director of Engagement at the office of Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, presented a proclamation to Rosa Nell Hammer, seated at center in a black dress, to celebrate her 106th birthday. Alex Ruiz (at center behind her) is district sales manager of The Keyes Company in Miami Lakes and organized the party for his former Realtor at Veterans Park on Oct. 5. She retired from selling real estate when she was 100.

     Mrs. Hammer was a champion orchid grower who has a golden striped ruffled Cattleya named after her. During World War II she worked in an airplane factory in Akron, Ohio and is a member of the Rosie the Riveter class of patriots that built Navy Corsair Fighter planes. In 2023, the Miami Lakes Veterans Committee planted an oak tree in her name in the park, for her service during wartime. She has outlived her husband Harvey Hammer and two of their four children. She is a fan of the Miami Heat NBA team, and a favorite player is guard Tyler Herro. As with Mrs. Hammer’s past birthday celebrations, a large crowd of relatives, friends and former colleagues gathered to celebrate and marvel at her longevity.