MARJORIE KATHLEEN "KAY" HAMILTON

(née Adams, May 11, 1939 – February 11, 2026) Kay passed away peacefully, on February 11, 2026, at Credit Valley Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife of nearly 60 years to John, Kay was a devoted and loving mother to Jonathan (Heidi Miller), Sandy (Kashmir), and Scott (Kelly Black). She was a proud and adored grandmother to Alexandra, Austin, Emerson, Marissa, Campbell, and Bennett. Fondly called "Dutchie" by her father, Kay was born in Timmins and raised in the mining town of Schumacher alongside her older brother, Bill. She later moved to Toronto to attend the University of Toronto, where she earned her BHSc in Household Economics and formed some of her closest lifelong friendships. After graduation, Kay worked with the Ontario Department of Agriculture and Visiting Homemakers. Reuniting with John - who shared her birthday and hometown of Schumacher - they were married in 1966. Following a move to Montreal and later Beaconsfield, their family grew with the arrival of their three boys. In 1980, the family settled in Oakville, where Kay and John built lasting friendships and became active members of Maple Grove United Church. In addition to keeping her "boys in line," Kay served as a professor in the School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts at George Brown College. Retirement allowed Kay and John the time to travel and spend more time at her cherished cottage on Lurgan Beach. Kay especially treasured her trips to Africa, where she delighted in observing the animals. Kay had a generous spirit and a deep commitment to helping others, continuing to volunteer at Kerr Street Mission well into her 80s. As Kay so often said, "Every day is a gift." She lived that philosophy fully - calling a friend, taking a walk, meditating, and checking in with her family each day. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her kindness, strength, and grounded outlook on life. A funeral service will be held at Maple Grove United Church, 346 Maple Grove Drive, Oakville, Ontario, at 1:00 p.m. on March 7, 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations to Kerr Street Mission (www.kerrstreet.com) or Maple Grove United Church (maplegroveunitedchurch.org) would be appreciated by the family.