Lyn Harris Hamilton

Lyn Harris Hamilton, wife of Thomas Reilly Hamilton, passed into eternity on January 24, 2025 in her home in Arroyo Grande, CA, surrounded by family and love.

Lyn Harris Hamilton was born J Lyn Harris on October 2, 1938 in New York City, daughter to Margaret (Peg) Carns Harris and Frank Harris and the younger sister of Jil Harris. The Harris family lived abroad for most of her childhood. In Hong Kong, Lyn first showed her aptitude and love of sports, particularly swimming and tennis. Peg and Lyn moved to Mandeville Canyon West of Los Angeles, while Jil started college at Scripps in Claremont and Lyn started her Senior year at Santa Monica High School. After a summer working as a lifeguard, Lyn commenced her college years at UCLA. In her Senior year, she met Tom Hamilton in an Economics class. They got engaged after dating for two months & were married in June, 1960.

Lyn and Tom raised their three children, John Patrick, Brian Harris and Lori Jil in the Westchester and Ladera Heights neighborhoods of Los Angeles. She was a loving mother, an amazing cook, and created a home and family where each grew into their own capable selves, while loving each other. She loved to play tennis competitively, read, go to the beach and mountains with friends and the family, and go for walks around the neighborhood with her friends. She enjoyed keeping a neat and beautiful home, garden, and car. Lyn was a loving and faithful partner to her Tom, especially enjoying traveling, playing bridge and other games, the theater and concerts. She was supportive and committed in her care for both her own mother, Peg and Tom's mother, Mary Jane and remained close to her sister Jil and husband Jack Stark and family throughout her life. She was a beloved friend to many who valued her sincerity, carefree spirit and humor, and she treasured those friends as well. She warmly welcomed her children's spouses, Barbara, Bich & Frank into her heart and family, and was a generous and affectionate grandmother to Jackson, Elaina, Sophie, Michael, Kevin & Erin Lyn.



Lyn contributed to the community through her volunteer work for the League of Women Voters and volunteer tennis coaching for Westchester High School and her participation in the Westchester Begonia Society and Westchester Playhouse. After her kids were more independent she enjoyed her work and friends at the dental practice of Dr. Thomas Loe, DDS, where she made sure the patients' insurance companies paid their bills.

Lyn fought off cancer and survived an Alzheimer's diagnosis for about ten years without ever changing her beautiful, friendly attitude. After moving with Tom to Arroyo Grande in 2021, they were lovingly supported by Lori Jil and all of the Virnigs, as well as professional caregivers. When Tom passed in July of 2023, Lyn missed him but continued to enjoy life, especially reading and being with family up until the very end. She left a legacy of authenticity & love in her family & friends, dearly remembered as one of the nicest people you are ever likely to meet.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to one of Lyn's favorite philanthropic organizations/charities:

Alzheimer's Association ( alz.org )

Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra ( laphil.com )

Westchester Playhouse ( kentwoodplayers.org )