Maureen Eileen (Hammons) Fenske - October 1, 1970 - February 25, 2024

Maureen's almost 18-year long, heroic and courageous battle with brain cancer ended sadly February 25 at home comforted by her parents, Sheila and Terry Hammons.

She was born October 1, 1970, in Lompoc.  During her childhood, she got the nickname "Sunshine'' because of her happy disposition.  For her first birthday she was given a Raggedy Ann doll and this began her love for all things Raggedy Ann and she amassed quite a collection in her youth.

She graduated from Lompoc High School in 1988 and from Cal State Bakersfield in 1993, with a BS degree in journalism as she loved to write.  Realizing that she would have to leave Lompoc for a bigger city to pursue a writing career she changed course and worked for Sansum, which she loved, and then taught special education students at Lompoc Valley Middle School.  In order to continue teaching she would have had to continue her education, which wasn't an option at the time, so she went to work for Lompoc Federal Penitentiary in the medical department.  This was her last employment once she was diagnosed with cancer.

She joined the Santa Maria Gold Coast Running Club around the age of 10 and set many records, even being invited to run in Cincinnati, Ohio where she placed well in spite of the cold weather, terrain and number of entrants.  She lettered in high school in cross country, track and swimming and was quite an exceptional athlete.  She loved the beach, traveling, scrapbooking and spending time with her friends.  She was creative and had beautiful handwriting.  She had a sharp wit and a delightful sense of humor, a beautiful spirit and never complained about her illness.  Her cruise to Hawaii to swim with the dolphins was at the top of her bucket list and she was happy to check that off the list.  She was a wonderful daughter with a huge giving heart.

She leaves behind her parents Sheila and Terry Hammons, her brother Paul Hammons of Ft Myers Florida, Chris Fanello, her cousin Jill Fanello and her husband Mike Emerson, their children Cole, Morgan, Makenna and Dean, all of Lompoc, who always gave a helping hand with Maureen when possible.

The Celebration of Life will be Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 11:00 am at Events Mission Valley 138 North B Street in Lompoc.