Josephine A. Hammond, 88, of Mercer, died Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013, at Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff.      The former Josephine Firlick was born June 4, 1924, in Cicero, Ill., daughter of the late Anton and Mary (Kocowski) Firlick, and graduated from high school there. She was employed at Speedway Tool Co. in Chicago for several years, then moved to Westmont, Ill., where she worked at the Pepperidge Farm Co. Moving to Mercer in 1968, she was employed at True Flight Feather Co., Simpson Electric Co. for many years, and most recently as a cashier at ICO in Mercer.      Josephine was a member of St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Mercer. She enjoyed her home and her independence.      She was united in marriage to Robert E. Hammond on Feb. 7, 1942, in Cicero. He preceded her in death on Nov. 6, 1988.      Surviving are a son, Joseph (Kim Seal), Mercer; and a sister, Lillian (Conrad) Gorman, Bokeelia, Fla.      Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Susan Hammond, on May 17, 2008; and numerous brothers.      Per Josephine's wishes, cremation has taken place.      Private family memorial services will be held at a later date.      Condolences may be given online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.      Arrangements were entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood.