Carolyn Hamilton

Carolyn Hamilton, a Gardena resident of more than 60 years, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family in Redondo Beach on December 3, 2010. Born in Brighton, Illinois, she was 91 at the time of her death. She met her future husband, Fred, at a USO dance during WWII, married in 1946, and moved to Southern California. She loved gardening, sewing, traveling, her church and her family. After her 3 children were in school, she found employment as an executive secretary. She was the wedding hostess at 1st Presbyterian Church of Gardena for many years and played in the bell choir. Carolyn is survived by her loving husband, Fred; daughter, Rebecca Smith (Phillip, Jr.) of Indio, CA; daughter, Nanette (Paul Ellis) of Arroyo Grande, CA; and son, Steven (Cathy) of Torrance, CA. She is also survived by her precious grandchildren, Phillip Smith III (Lisa), Sean Hamilton, Allison Hamilton; her brother, Fred Schneider (Blanche) of Jerseyville, IL; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Alma Schneider; and her brother, Edwin Schneider. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, December 10, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at 1st Presbyterian Church of Gardena, with a reception immediately following. The burial service will be at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes at 2:15 p.m. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or 1st Presbyterian Church of Gardena. Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits. Please go to McMillan McCormick Mortuary's website www.LAfuneral.com to send the family messages, share memories, or to obtain directions to the services.