Bernadette Ann "Bee" Hamilton

(Nee Koller) Bernadette passed away in the early morning hours of May 20, 2023 at the age of 89. She was welcomed into heaven at the conclusion of her climb to the mountaintop by her parents, Alfred Sr. and Elizabeth Koller, and her 12 siblings. Bernadette is survived by her children; Timothy, Jeffrey (Debra), Amy (the late Thomas), and Susan; her grandchildren, Joel, Emily, Maxwell (Allison), Jillian, McClain and Madalyn; and her great-grandchild, Paxton.
Bee was a pillar of her family and the communities she joined. She loved to spend time with her extended family and socialize with her multitude of friends from various facets of her life. To so many she was mother, mom, grandma, great-grandma, Aunt B, "the Big G", and so much more.
Bernadette grew up in Wauwatosa, WI and attended St. Bernard's Catholic grade school and Pius High School. Bernadette earned her B.A. in education from Alverno College, Blazing a trail in education that would last a lifetime, Bernadette spent 30 years as a Learning Disabilities teacher in the Waukesha, West Allis and West Milwaukee school systems. Bernadette positively impacted students 'lives with her bold spirit, astute wit, and unflinching belief in the promise of the uplifting power of education for all.
Bee was an extraordinary wordsmith, prolific reader, and world traveler which enhanced her ability to form meaningful relationships with those she encountered from all walks of life. Those connections facilitated philanthropic endeavors throughout her life, like being the first female member of the Elm Grove chapter of the Kiwanis Club. Bee had many talents and an artistic and imaginative nature, but what was most memorable was her one-of-a-kind personality.
Bee spent the past six years as a resident at Saint Camillus, where she reunited with a myriad of friends from Wauwatosa (some from as far back as grade school). She spent her days crafting, sewing and participating in offered activities like Bible Study where she used her rebellious nature to sometimes ask the difficult questions that everyone might have been thinking. Above all she loved the Holiday Sale, book club, and visits from friends and family.
She was truly one of a kind, The Best Kind, the one, the only, Bee.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Camillus, Guardian Angel
Chapel, 10100 W. Bluemound Road, Wauwatosa, on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at Noon. Visitation for family and friends 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass. A luncheon will follow at the Jelen Room also located in the East Tower at Saint Camillus. The family will welcome anyone to share their memories and stories about Bee during lunch.
Valet Parking will be available at the East Tower Entrance.
Private commitment at Highland Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Alverno College, in Bernadette 's name, can be made online at @Alverno.edu/donate.