Dorothy J. Hamnett

Dorothy J. Hamnett (nee Polhemus) 91 of Allentown passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026. Dorothy was born in Cream Ridge to Walter and Jennie Polhemus. Growing up, she worked on the family farm with her father and brothers. With her mother, she learned how to can and freeze vegetables. Dorothy attended Allentown schools and later attended night school at Rider.

1954, she married L. William Hamnett and soon started a family. Most of their married life they had lived in Allentown, NJ. Dorothy loved history, which led her to start researching her family genealogy in 1962, something she continued doing for the rest of her life. Dorothy was proud of her family lineage, including being a direct descendent of Tobias Polhemus.

Dorothy worked at Carter Wallace as a secretary, starting in the 1960’s until her retirement. Later in life, she and her husband traveled to various locations in Europe and traveled various places in the United States with friends.

Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and her son, Lawrence D. Hamnett. She was also predeceased by her brothers, Herbert, Donald and Arnold Polhemus, her sisters, Ruth Krukowski and Ethel Emley. Dorothy is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen Hamnett and Stuart Povick; her daughter-in-law, Beth Hamnett Winchell; her sister, Naomi Herbert; sister-in-law, Shirley Polhemus; and brother-in-law, Frederick Hamnett (Jean). Dorothy is also survived by her grandchildren, L. Jason Hamnett (Susan), Rebecca Avila (Adam), and Lauren Gurley (Dalton) as well as five great grandchildren, with three additions due in 2026.

Interment will be held 11am on Friday, April 10th at Emley’s Hill Cemetery, Cream Ridge. Arrangements are under the direction of Peppler Funeral Home, Allentown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dorothy’s name to the Hope Fire Company No.1, 82 Rt. 526, Allentown, NJ 08501.