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Nancy Hamilton Obituary
Nancy Ann Hamilton
Of Bloomington, Indiana died on Saturday evening August 11, 2012 at the Bloomington Hospital as the result of an accident. At her side was her husband Lee Hamilton, and her daughters.
Nancy, 82, loved her roles as homemaker, artist, animal advocate, and hospital volunteer. She delighted in gathering family and friends, and many special occasions were celebrated around the Hamilton family dining room table.
She was married to Lee H. Hamilton for 57 years and they would have celebrated their 58th anniversary on August 21. They began their life together in Berwyn, Illinois. Shortly afterwards moved to Columbus, Indiana. In 1964, when Lee was elected to Congress from the 9th Congressional District, they moved to Alexandria, Virginia. They returned to Indiana in November of 2010.
Nancy was a talented artist and her oil paintings are gifts treasured by her extended family and friends. She was, also, a dedicated volunteer, who had contributed thousands of hours for the INOVA Alexandria Virginia Hospital.
She was a graduate of DePauw University and taught second grade for several years before starting her family.
Nancy is survived by her husband; daughters, Tracy (Matt) Souza, Deborah (Hugh) Kremer; son, Douglas; her five grandchildren, Christina Souza, Maria Souza-Eglen, McLouis and Patricia Souza, Lina Kremer, and her sister, Patricia Robinson. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jon Nelson and parents, Norman and Mabel Nelson.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Nancy Hamilton will be held on Friday, September 7th at 1:30 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church at the corner of 4th and Washington in Bloomington, Indiana. A reception will follow immediately after the service.
Memorials can be directed to: Canine's Companions for Independence, 286 Middle Island Road, Medford, New York 11763; The Bloomington Hospital Foundation, 405 North Rogers Street, Bloomington, IN 47404; The Columbus Regional Hospital Foundation, 2400 17th Street, Columbus, Indiana 47201.
Arrangements are being handled by Day Funeral Home in Bloomington, Indiana. Online condolences may be made at: http://www.dayfuneralservice.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Hamilton
Wayne Collins
September 6, 2012
Lee, and the Hamilton family, I am deeply sorry that I cannot attend the services to celebrate Nancy's life. I will always remember her fondly and keep her in my heart.
Amy Conrad Warner
September 6, 2012
Dear Lee and Family,
My heartfelt sympathy to the entire family. I first met Nancy in the '70s on the campaign trail when I was just a child with my mom and dad - Larry and Mary Lou Conrad. Mrs. Hamilton was a beautiful person; always gracious and welcoming.
Your family must be thankful for the rich traditions and memories that you share. With Nancy's passing, the state and the community lost a true friend and treasure.
On behalf of the Conrad family, I extend my deepest sympathy.
Amy Conrad Warner
Ken Owen
September 6, 2012
Lee, Words fail to convey how I feel. I've been thinking a great deal about you and your family in recent days, and of how much you and Nancy have contributed to so many of us in Indiana and that you are on the minds of your many friends at DePauw. Peace to you at this difficult time.
September 5, 2012
Dear Lee & family,
We are saddened to learn of your loss of Nancy. May it somehow help to know we share your sorrow.
Jane (Mrs. Hubert) Scott
John & Diane Scott
August 28, 2012
Lee, we were so sorry to hear about Nancy. She was a wonderful lady and a good neighbor. We always enjoyed having her at our neighborhood parties and especially talking to her on the many occasions when we met each other walking our dogs.
Meg Copernoll and John Meilert (former Alexandria, VA neighbors)
August 25, 2012
Jane and I are so sorry to hear of Nancy's accident. We send much sympathy. U.S. Rep. William S. Broomfield, Michigan (Retired)
August 25, 2012
Lee (and Family),
We know they are tired old words,but to lose your "buddy" of 58 years is a veritable, mind-numbing tragedy. We regret not ever meeting Nancy, nonetheless, we know the months ahead, no, the years, will never be the same without her, except for the good memories.
And, sometime in the future, if you choose to silently listen for her spirit voice amidst the peace and beauty of the natural world, I would be honored to drive you south to the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge which you supported "back in the day." It is now about 8,000 acres, and as an animal lover, Nancy just might, if you listen closely, whisper to you through the rustling leaves of some mighty oaks, or through the calling of a soaring eagle, or giggle to you over the antics of frolicking otters in a pool of the Patoka River. Just let me know, old friend.
Live strong and long and with good memories.
In Sympathy,
Mary and Dave Hudak, US Fish and Wildlife Service (retired)
Bloomington, IN
Jerry Burkman
August 24, 2012
I am sorry about losing your sister-in-law and wife and mother in an accident. Time together is so precious and it was good.
Gloria Cherry
August 24, 2012
Lee, Tracy, Debbie, Doug and family. There was no better person than Nancy, to show us, what being a lady was all about. I learned so much from her by just watching and talking with her. She always made me feel like I was part of the family. I will never ever forget her. My prayer is that God will give you the strength during this time to endure. Just know, that she made a difference in many lives. Thank you, Lee for giving me the opportunity to work for you and to meet your wonderful family. Gloria Cherry (Mitchellville, Maryland)
Terri Huff
August 23, 2012
To the hamilton family , I am so sorry for your loss of Nancy , she was a very kind lady who was a regular customer at my post office in Alex. Va. when they lived here. May the God of peace comfort your family at this time of great sorrow.
Anne Ziegner Gillem
August 21, 2012
Rep. Hamilton and family, I was so saddened to learn of your wife's tragic death. I have thought of you often through the years and followed your career both in Congress and afterwards. One of the highlights of my education was a summer internship in your office during Watergate summer in 1972. I will never forget your efforts to include a young college student in discussions of Watergate and other Congressional matters. You are one of the elected officials my Dad, Ed Ziegner, respected the most. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family.
Jim Ackerman
August 21, 2012
Dear Lee,
A week ago I returned from ten days of a professional conference in Boston, combined with visits to friends; and since I'm leaving soon for Europe, I did not renew my H-T subscription for the interim period.
Thus I'm way behind on the news about Nancy's tragic death. Unlike anything in the H-T, I found this Guest Book in the Indianapolis Star. Although I've known and admired you for a seeming life-time, I only met Nancy once at David and Inge's on the Thanksgiving Day that the two of you moved to Bloomington. As I read all of these entries, I got at least some sense of why Nancy meant so much to everyone who knew her, and thus, of the loss you and your family are suffering. Even though I will be visiting Alex's family in Europe on September 7, my thoughts and prayers will continue to surround all of you, but especially you and my beloved Tracy.
Having lost my mom as Alex and I were in Europe, and observing how my three boys, their wives, and my grandsons were devastated by Alex's death, I have some idea what your children and grandchildren are experiencing. No matter what their age, "kids" who have lost a mom or a grandma are devastated by the experience.
And you are going through a grief that is uniquely your own and that others can never fully capture. Here is someone in Religious Studies admitting to you that I have become much more religious since Alex died. I had to try to come to grips with what life was all about all over again, and that process has definitely helped me. Hospice tried to include me in a special men's grieving group. Their experience was that men don't attend women's Hospice groups, maybe because most men have trouble expressing their feelings. Three men showed up at my Hospice group, and we only had that one meeting. I've received huge emotional help from my family, as I'm sure you will. What I didn't count on are the friends who stepped forward, generously folding me into their lives (among the foremost, Inge and David). I'm confident that, eventually, you'll allow the same thing to happen to you.
With sincere grief for your loss, but with strong hopes that, though the big scar will surely remain, the deep wound will gradually heal over.
Yours,
Jim
Jean Zettler
August 20, 2012
Lee and family,
I was shocked and sad to read of Nancy's unfortunate accident and death. Although I did not know her that well, I have fond memories of conversations with her at your former neighbors annual Derby party. A very gracious and beautiful woman who will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
August 18, 2012
Lee and family - we were greatly saddened to learn of Nancy's passing, and our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. We haven't seen that much of you since our DePauw days, visiting only at the reunions but we have always held the both of you in our highest regard.
Helen & Jack Tykal
Pat Franklin
August 18, 2012
Dear Doug,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Your mother continues to touch so many of us who were lucky to have met her.
Love,
Pat Franklin
Bob Jenkins
August 18, 2012
Lee and the Hamilton Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your wonderful memories of Nancy sustain you. She was a wonderful lady and will be missed by all who knew her.
Phil & Family Hayes
August 18, 2012
Lee & Family, it was as your guests in her home we met this"...beautiful, likable, modest person who however knew pretty well how good she was..." at the art of composing a life of family friends and colleagues. Her's a demonstration of true power and influence defending her Arts and us by the way. So now we liken ourselves to the poet in Wordsworth's poem..."A slumber did my spirit seal/ I had no human fears/ She seemed a thing that could not feel/ The touch of earthly years."
August 18, 2012
Dear Lee and Family:
It has been many years since I last saw Nancy when we were at DPU. I remember her as a wonderful lady. Please accept my sympathy. Ele Hockey Perris (51)
August 17, 2012
Lee and the Hamilton family, my thoughts are with you at this time of grief. I hope and trust that the many years of warm memories of Nancy and her many thoughtful and generous acts will sustain you, and will be the ones that remain with you, despite the sadnass of her untimely passing.
All my best,
Elana Broitman and family
Washington, DC
The family of Pat Redmond
August 17, 2012
Dear Lee and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Nancy and you have always been, and always will be, so very special to us.
Nick and Maria Corvelli
August 17, 2012
Dear Lee and family, Our deepest condolences to you at this time. We are so saddened to hear of Nancy's passing. We will miss her very much...she was a wonderful friend and neighbor. Her welcoming smile will always be with us. Her kindnesses were many and her concern for us and for our pets was never ending. She was always gracious and a lady in every sense of the word. We lift prayers of thanksgiving for her life and of peace for you all. Nick & Maria Corvelli and family (Christina & Jan; Michael & Lu Anne; Patricia & Jason).
August 17, 2012
Tracy, Debbie and Doug, I still remember your mother from your ice skating days as kids at Four Mile Run, where she tirelessly brought you to class and practice. What a kind and always cheerful person she was! I am incredibly sad to hear about her accident and passing. My heart goes out to you, your father and your family.
Sylvia D. Cole (formerly von Schwanenfluegel)
Medford, OR
August 17, 2012
Lee: I am so sorry about the sad news. My condolences to you, and your family.
All my best wishes and prayers are with you, Ken Ballen (Washington, DC)
Eileen MacLennan
August 17, 2012
Dear Lee and family, Bruce and I are so very sorry at the loss of of our dear and wonderful friend, Nancy. She was so very special in so many ways. We cherish the memories of the many years of our friendship and of being neighbors. She was a bright light in our lives, and we will miss her greatly. Our prayers, thoughts and love go out to you all.
Eileen & Bruce MacLennan
Peggy McKeon-Delean
August 16, 2012
Terribly sorry to hear of your loss. May you find peace in her passing and joy to have had her in your life.
August 16, 2012
Lee,
I was so terribly saddened to read about the loss of Nancy and am very sorry that I cannot be there with you. Please know that I will be thinking about you and that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Joe Rees
Beth Pope
August 16, 2012
My prayers are with the Hamilton family. I interned for Congressman Hamilton in the 1980's and have followed his career with admiration. I was deeply saddened to hear of this tragic accident. I pray that memories provide comfort in this most difficult time.
Lea and Larry Rogers
August 16, 2012
Our thoughts are with the Hamiltons at the loss of this wonderful, talented woman.
Martha Nice
August 16, 2012
Dear Lee and family,
There is a new star shining in our sky, as God gave us a new angel named Nancy. She brightened so many lives in such a gracious way here on Earth; he must have needed her. I send you my prayers and condolences; it is so hard to lose your loved one. May peace be with you,
Susanne and Robert Vandenbosch
August 16, 2012
Dear Lee: After following the Blue Ribbon Commission on webcasts for two years you feel like family to us. We are saddened by the news of the death of your wife and offer our heartfelt condolences.
Maggie (Owen) Smith
August 16, 2012
I am so very sorry for you loss, I know that words cannot begin to explain your feelings. May God Bless you and your family with beautiful memories of your loved one.
Matt Durham
August 16, 2012
Dear Lee:
My deepest condolences at what must be an exceedingly difficult time for you.
Warmest regards,
Matt Durham
August 16, 2012
Hamilton Family: I have such special memories of Lee Hamilton's service to all of his constituents and looked forward to the yearly Christmas Greetings and cherish Nancy's cookbook gift. May wonderful memories comfort all of you. S.Spears, New Albany, Ind.
August 16, 2012
Dear Lee, Our sincere sympathy to you on the loss of the love of your life. May your wonderful memories sustain you and your family in the days to come.
The Ullrich family of Aurora,IN.
August 16, 2012
Dear Lee,
I am so sorry for your loss! Bob and I have been in Seattle visiting family, so we didn't learn of Nancy's passing until yesterday. I am so happy that I saw both of you briefly at IU before Congressman Tim Roemer's speech. I thanked Nancy for allowing all of us in the 9th CD to have you as our beloved and admired representative in Congress. I told her that as an office holder myself for 10 years, I knew the extra burden placed upon the spouse to keep everything going for your family, Nancy thanked me graciously, as she always has been to me and to everyone she meets. Her grace, her talents, her steadfast support of you and your family, and her wonderful, quiet dignity will be treasured and missed by all of us who knew her. We will be at her memorial service, and we have you and your family in our thoughts. Sincerely,
Kathy Smith-Andrew (former Senator Kathy Smith)
August 15, 2012
Lee and family we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Your life and leadership has meant so much to us all, and we are so sorry for your loss.
Jim McManus
August 15, 2012
With sorrow and lasting friendship...
Mike and Sandy Blackwell
August 15, 2012
Lee,
Please accept our most sincere condolences. Nancy was an exemplery lady and supported you well. She will be sadly missed by us all. May God watch over you and your entire family. Thanks for all you did for us and all Hoosiers over the years.
Mike and Sandy Blackwell, former Union County Democrat Chairman
Jack Mize
August 15, 2012
Lee Your in your prayers We love you In the name of god Jack mize
ISTA Board and Staff
August 15, 2012
Lee Hamilton and family, In honor of a life well lived. Hold those happy memories close to your heart. From all of us at ISTA.
Carol Mooney
August 15, 2012
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss. May your friends and family be your support and strength during these terribly difficult times. Carol Mooney, Retired ISTA
Nancy Papas
August 15, 2012
Dear Lee and family, I was shocked and saddened to hear of Nancy's accident and death, and hope the outpouring of prayers and good wishes can lighten your burden. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. Nancy has added another light to the heavens and is looking out for you still.
Nancy Papas, Indianapolis, In.
Mary Douglas
August 15, 2012
Honorable Lee Hamilton and family.
I am very sorry to hear that your wife Nancy has passed over, please try to remain strong as this is what your wonderful wife Nancy would want. As Director of WWICS you made us proud,I promise you I read all of the kind remarks for your wife to realize she was/and is your rock. Please know Lee that you and the family are in my prayers. Please stay strong and God bless.
I am; Mary Douglas, WWICS, FMO, Washington DC. Sincerely
Chris Tobe
August 15, 2012
Dear Lee and Family- sorry about your loss
Lauren Prouty
August 15, 2012
Mr. Hamilton, My sincere condolences to you and your family. Mrs. Hamilton was truly a special person and loved by so many. My family and your former neighbors here in Virginia are stunned.
Gabe Mercuri
August 15, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the entire family.
Barbara Ann O'Leary
August 15, 2012
We grieve with you for your loss. Sending love and blessings.
August 15, 2012
Dear Tracy and family - sorry about your loss. Jose Samperio
Teresa
August 15, 2012
Mr. Lee Hamilton May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow and may the prayers of both loved ones and strangers help you through this difficult time. I like many others never had the chance to meet any of you but can understand the loss of a loved one, wife, mother, grandmother, friend. Hold on to the memories and let her smile be a comfort to you now and always.
August 15, 2012
Deborah, Holding you and yours in my heart and know that your Mother now resides there as well.
Much love,
Suzanne Merriman, Bloomington, IN
Beth Bode
August 15, 2012
Tracy, I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. She was an amazing, talented woman. The sudden loss of someone so special is heartbreaking. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Joann Schwentker
August 14, 2012
Dear Lee and Extended Family, I was so shocked and saddened to learn of Nancy's tragic accident. I know she was a loving treasure to you and your family, and will be missed by many who loved her. Sending prayers and God's comfort.
Price & Sherry Jessup
August 14, 2012
Dear Lee and all the Family, We send you our prayers and our love at this most difficult time... Nancy was a treasure of life and I always considered it a great gift to have her wonderful friendship.. We shared the love of dogs... I will miss her terribly and can only imagine how you all must feel...
Our sincere sympathies...
August 14, 2012
Nancy represented the best and kindest of Congressional spouses.and was an inspiration to be a supportive spouse. She will be missed and hope Lee and her family know she lives on in our hearts. I treasure a little vignette from a codel in Switzerland...what a wonderful laugh we had. Mary Ann T. Fish (Mrs. Hamilton)
Penny Chance
August 14, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Hamilton and his family. I am so sorry this happened to you. Mr. Hamilton has been a fine public servant and it is a shame for him to go through such a tragedy. God bless you!
Kelli Robinette
August 14, 2012
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dennis Young
August 14, 2012
Lee and Family, I wish to send my prayers to you and your family on the passing of Nancy, I was your Mailman when you lived on Peachtree Street in Alex., Va. She was the nicest lady on my route and very pleasant to talk to, she will be missed very much, Dennis
Marcia Smith
August 14, 2012
Lee and loving family. I remember Nancy as a stong woman, always with a smile and full of laughter. I know your faith in the Lord will help ease your pain. You all are in my humble prayers. Marcia Taylor Smith, Madison Indiana
August 14, 2012
Dear Lee, Please accept my deepest condolences for you and your whole family. It was inspirational to see you and Nancy together at the special events at the Wilson Center because it was clear how strong a bond there was. My thoughts are with you. Michael Adler
Doug Luckett
August 14, 2012
Congressman Hamilton and family,
We are so sorry for your loss! Mrs. Hamilton was always so kind to stop in on my folks during their many hospital stays while she was volunteering at Alexandria Hospital. Her friendship as neighbor to my mom & dad for years will always be cherished by both my brother & me.
Janet and Henry Waxman
August 14, 2012
Dear Lee,
As a fellow Congressional spouse, I always felt graced to be in Nancy's presence. Her warm, gentle way made me proud to be her friend.
May her memory be a comfort and a blessing.
Henry and I both send our condolences to you and your family.
Janet and Henry Waxman
August 14, 2012
Dear Lee,
Please accept my best wishes and prayers for you and your family in this time of great loss.
Bob Huckfeldt
Loren Reuter
August 14, 2012
She was a lovely, kind and the epitome of a gracious lady. I will always remember her smile, kindness and laughter. My memories of Nancy are all extremely happy ones, and always will be.
Mary Ellen Stewart
August 14, 2012
Tracy, I was so sorry to hear about your beautiful mother's terrible accident. She has always been such a lovely and loving person. My heart goes out to you and your family. Bill and I will see you at the memorial service in September.
You are in our hearts and prayers.
Sondra Bolte
August 14, 2012
Lee, Tracy and family, I was so sorry to hear about Nancy. I hold you in my heart and hope for peace and rich memories for you all. Enjoy your time together as you celebrate Nancy's life and begin to mourn her passing. I lost my dad a month ago and feel so lucky to have had him in my life so long. Peace be with you.
Deb DeBusk
August 14, 2012
Lee and the Hamilton Family,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. I know that you have many wonderful memories to cherish. She was always kind and gracious. May peace with you.
J. Marion McElveen
August 13, 2012
Lee, Your faith in God & our prayers continue to guide you daily. Your life & leadership enriches our lives as it has for more than four decades.
Rev. J. Marion McElveen, New Albany, IN
Tom,Theresa, Justin and Nicole
Thomas Puterbaugh
August 13, 2012
Mr. Lee Hamilton,
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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