Shirley Jean Hamilton

Shirley Jean Hamilton, 82, of Great Falls, a retired teacher, passed away Monday, January 14, 2013 at a local hospital of natural causes. A graveside burial service is planned for later in the spring. O’Connor Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Shirley was born to Henry and Louise Hamilton on May 8, 1930 in Great Falls. She was raised and educated in Great Falls and later moved to Natick, MA, graduating from Walnut Hills Preparatory School outside of Boston. She continued her education at Harcum Junior College in Bryn Mawr, PA. After receiving her teaching degree, she moved back to Great Falls and began her career as a third grade teacher at Meadowlark Elementary School. She worked there until her retirement in 1977. Shirley was a member of 1st Congregational UCC Church and many teachers’ organizations. She had a passion for traveling. She travelled extensively with her parents, including to Europe. She was a devoted daughter and became her parents’ caregiver later in life. Shirley is survived by her sister, Elizabeth Bevins of Painted Post, NY; niece Melissa Louise Bevins of Hammondsport, NY; nephew Robert Hamilton Bevins (Barbara) and great-nephew Robert Hamilton of Lawrenceville, GA; and cousins Julie Duncan and Mildred Peters Duncan both of Great Falls. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Dorothy Sancken; and brothers Leslie Henry Hamilton II and John Taylor Hamilton.