biography of Caitlin Millar Hammaren


Born on May 4, 1987, Caitlin was an only child who lived in Westtown, New York.  She was well known within her local community, as well as the Virginia Tech community, for her smile, her warm personality, and her caring and nurturing nature. 

Caitlin was president of the Minisink Valley High School chorus and a member of the National Honor Society.  For years she volunteered at the Pulaski Fire company’s annual pancake breakfast.  At Virginia Tech, where Caitlin was a sophomore double majoring in International Studies and Leadership with a minor in French, she continued caring about and helping people by participating in many community service projects.  In addition, she was events chair for her sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and was one of their top fundraisers in the Relay for Life with contributions topping $12,000. 

While at Virginia Tech she was also a resident advisor, in the Residential Leadership Community, to 58 students whom she referred to as "her angels".  Her passion for that role was so strong that she took care of each of her residents as if they were her own children.  As a result, she was inducted into the National Residence Hall Honorary, an organization that recognizes only the top one percent of residence hall advisors.  Caitlin frequently engaged in little acts of kindness, quietly and unobtrusively assisting or comforting those around her who she intuitively sensed were in need.  A friend attending Caitlin’s memorial service said, "Caitlin made everyone feel like they were her best friend".

Caitlin loved the Arts and during her short life was involved in many aspects of them.  She participated in the fine arts, she sang, played the violin, performed in theater and dabbled in the Culinary Arts.   She was also an accomplished equestrian in the discipline of dressage.   To say that Caitlin lived each day to the fullest would be an understatement.  A close family friend described Caitlin as “mastering the art of living.”  Her smile was contagious and her eyes sparkled under any circumstances.   She is missed by all who knew her.