Joyce Hamilton

MARLBORO -- Joyce W. Hamilton, 79, of Marlboro, died peacefully at home on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2005, following a short illness.

Mrs. Hamilton was born in Brattleboro on Oct. 28, 1925, the daughter of Harold and Maude (Miller) White.

She is survived by her husband of almost 60 years, Richard H. Hamilton; four daughters, Marcia L. Hamilton of Marlboro, Rebecca H. Mroczek of Northfield, MA; Barbara T. Giard of Marlboro; Karla H. Bills of Marlboro; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She graduated from Brattleboro High School in the class of 1943 and attended Wilford Academy in Boston. While at BHS, she was a recipient of the DAR Good Citizenship award, a member of the band for four years and played the clarinet. She later learned to play any keyboard instrument by ear. During her times that she cleaned the church, she could not resist sitting down at the organ and playing her favorite hymns and singing.

Soon after becoming a new bride in 1945, she took on the obligation of caregiver to George Hughes in his home, which became their home.

In 1946 she and her husband began operating the Skyline Restaurant on Hogback Mountain where she spent 48 years ,first as a waitress then as hostess of the dining room when they became part-owners.

She decorated the dining room in seasonal décor. Her special touch was evident when people came to celebrate their own special occasion, whether it was a wedding, birthday or retirement party. Because these groups involved their friends and neighbors, the events became a big part of their social life. She always had a smile and welcomed everyone at the door.

She was a giver. She enjoyed every Christmas sale in the surrounding towns and purchased special gifts for others. She treasured every friendship, even the tourists during foliage stepping up to admire her fall porch display at home. She was on the visiting committee of Holton Home. She helped transport people to and from the Gathering Place.

She was a five-gallon donor of blood to the American Red Cross and volunteered her time at the blood bank for many years until August 2004 when her cancer was discovered.

Mrs. Hamilton was a giver of her time and talents. She was a trustee of Deerfield Valley Health Center early in its development. She was a volunteer hostess for Art on the Mountain. She was a member of the Marlboro Community Club, an honorary trustee of the Marlboro Historical Society, and deacon at the Marlboro Meetinghouse. She was a member of the Thursday Night Club and hosted numerous sings at her home. She was active in the Christian Women's Club. For the last 23 years, she was honored to be the drummer in the Bills Band, which performs benefit gigs in many local towns.

Funeral services will be Friday at 11 a.m. at the Centre Congregational Church, 193 Main St., in Brattleboro. Calling hours will be Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home, 40 Terrace St., Brattleboro.

For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Marlboro Meeting House, P.O. Box 64, Marlboro, VT 05344 or Christian Heritage School, P.O. Box 2224, Brattleboro, VT 05303.

Arrangements are under the direction of the ATAMANIUK FUNERAL HOME.u