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Arlington High School University at Albany

Debra Hamilton Obituary

Hamilton, Debra ALBANY Debra Hamilton, 56, died peacefully at home January 12, 2009 after a short illness, surrounded by her family. Over the past 35 years, Debbie was active in the community, serving on a variety of committees on both the local and state level to promote improved access for people with disabilities. Most recently, she was past chair and current member of the board for Consumer Directed Choices, an innovative home health care agency. She also volunteered at Veteran's Industries, teaching computer skills to veterans. She loved outdoors and was very interested in environmental issues. She worked on a project to improve pedestrian and wheelchair access in Albany's Washington Park and contributed to a variety of environmental organizations. She was a lifelong lover of music and the arts. Since 1985, Debbi was assistant dean of students at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as director of Disability Services for Students. Previously, she was the executive director of the Capital District Center for Independence, Inc., an independent living center for people with disabilities. She also worked for the New York State Division of the Budget. She was a graduate of Arlington High School, Marist College and the School of Social Welfare at the University of Albany. She received the Alumni Award from the University's Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy. Debbie was born in Sharon, Conn., the beloved daughter of Doris Hamilton of Hopewell Junction, and the late Richard Hamilton. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her sister, Pamela Hamilton of Cobleskill; brother, Richard Hamilton of Maybrook; niece, Caitlin Ohlson of Albany and nephew, Luke Henry of Cobleskill; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. A memorial service will be held in the near future. The family asks that donations be made, in lieu of flowers, to the Sierra Club at 85 2nd. St., 2nd. Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105 or the Muscular Dystrophy Association at 1 Marcus Blvd. #204, Albany, NY 12205.

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Published by Albany Times Union on Jan. 15, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Debra Hamilton

23 Entries

Alex Falquez

January 9, 2023

I know today is a very hard day. There are so many precious memories. I am here for you today and always Debra.

Sheree

January 30, 2009

I first met Deb during the Disabled Women't Theater Project, back in 1981 or so, and have been in touch off and on. She was so lively, healthy seeming, and energetic in her voice and outlook, and was helpful to me in seeking home modifications. That she was ever ill never crossed my mind, as she was so very positive in her outlook.

I had emailed her only Tuesday, seeking an accessible place to stay in Albany. That she had not answered my email or phone calls seemed to me to be because she was away. I did not know how very very far away she was, but, perhaps she is also very very near in other ways we cannot fathom. Can you not see her face, hear her voice, even now, lifting you?

Heather Sahm

January 30, 2009

I was so very sorry to hear about Debbie's passing. I worked for Debbie at the Center for Independence, and she was not only a wise and giving mentor but also a great friend with a wonderful sense of humor, and keen insight on every issue. Debbie adored her family, and I know that you will miss her terribly.

Judy Tilley

January 26, 2009

Debra was my favorite cousin back east. She was the one who overcame such tremendous obstacles to live as full a life as she could, with cheer and optimism. She had strength, physical of course to pursue her dreams, but spiritually she was such a presence. She was such a wise soul who could see the essence of any situation. I am so sorry she had to leave us so soon an am even more sorry that I didn't spend more time with her. We shared some of the same passions: the environment, the visual arts, and music. She will be missed.

Amy McEwing

January 23, 2009

I was so shocked and saddened by Debra's passing. I got to know Debra through numerous committees and her work at the Independent Living Center in Albany and RPI. She was brilliant and committed and dedicated her life to improving the lives of others. My sincerest sympathies to her family and friends. We'll miss you, Deb.

Tracey DiScanio

January 23, 2009

My deepest sympathy to Debra's family. I am so glad that I had the privledge to know Debra when I worked in the Student Life division. Debra was always friendly and helpful to me and people like that touch your lives and it will always stay with me. I'll keep you all in my prayers.

David Haviland

January 21, 2009

To Debra's family,
It was my pleasure (as former Vice President for Student Life at Rensselaer) to work with Deb Hamilton for several years. She is one special lady - reminding us that disabilities are real, but they need not limit one's goals or impacts on others. She was one of clearest thinkers, and strongest empowerers of others, with whom I had the pleasure of working. She leaves an extraordinary legacy.

Brian & Janet McConville

January 20, 2009

To Aunt Dodie, Pam, Rick, Cait, and Luke we share in your sorrow, and send our love.

All of us who knew Debbie are better for being touched by her warmth, love, strength, and great humor. We were cousins but, because of our age difference and our geographic locations, we now realize we knew very little about Debbie. In reading these wonderful tributes to her we are learning so much. In everything we read we find common denominators, Debbie had an enthusiasm to help others, she gave her all to everything she believed in, and let nothing stand in her way. Debbie although challenged never allowed that to hold her back, she set her goals and worked hard to achieve them.
Debbie now smiles down on us as a brilliant star brightening all of our lives forever. She is missed but is living in the hearts of all she touched.
May God be with you and comfort you.
Love, Brian & Janet

Tim Patnode

January 18, 2009

Tim and Sherrie Patnode

Alex

January 18, 2009

Debbie Hamilton was a dear friend of mine and I am deeply saddened by her passing. The dignity with which she faced life's many challenges was remarkable. I was blessed to have known Debbie, it was a true joy to be in her presence and I will miss her.

Joseph J Miller Jr

January 17, 2009

Words for someone like Debra express so little of the real person that she truly was to us all. Debra volunteered many hours of her time over the last few years working with disabled veterans at Veteran's Industries, a division of the S.S. Stratton Veteran's Medical Center. She always had a smile on her face, always made herself available for anyone needing her help and once told me, in response to my asking why she volunteers, "these are men and woman that we owe our lives to--they gave so much to us and their country-why wouldn't I help them." She wasn't a veteran, but she felt it was her duty to help those who protected our country--those she felt were less fortunate than she was--that was Debra.
I did not know her personally, but she was someone that everyone looked up to in all areas of life. Snow, rain, if her transportation was available Debra was always there. There were days when she was in discomfort, but it never stopped her from giving her time and self.
I recently retired and in conversation with Debra she made it known that she could not understand why I would even consider retiring---as she planned on working forever.
Three months after settling in I now volunteer---I had a great mentor, someone whose shoes I can never hope to fill.

John Farina

January 17, 2009

To Deb's friends and family:

Debbie and I met when we both attended SUNYA for our Socialwork degrees. Little would we know several years later our paths would cross again as she became my boss as a part of The capital district Center for Independence. I enjoyed and learned from working with her and know she was always ready to help someone or take on a cause if needed. She taught me and many others the skill of advocacy by expressing your needs rather than putting up your fists and that is truly a skill to know.

Later we crossed paths again as we served as board members for Consumer Directed Choices. It has been a pleasure to know Debbie and learn from her and along with the rest of the board I extend thoughts and prayers to her family and friends. She will truly be missed and has left her mark on the world.

Kelly Hermann

January 17, 2009

Debbie was a wonderful colleague. She was a sage mentor who was always willing to give those of us who were new to the field of disability services a helping hand. I enjoyed my chats with her and will miss her.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope that your memories of Deb comfort you in this time of sadness.

nancy and steve grant

January 16, 2009

To all whom loved and respected her:
We have been friends for 30 years. Deb always had a smile or a kind word for everyone and yet she was a ferocious fighter when she was championing her many causes. She would go out of her way to help anyone when she could. A gentle and loving person was Debbie Hamilton. The world is missing something without her presence. God bless you, Deb.
Nancy Herring and Steve Grant

Debbie Bianchi-Sinatra

January 16, 2009

Deb was truly one of the most sincere and genuine friend a person could have. Those of us lucky to have her touch our hearts will never forget her.

Denise DiNoto

January 16, 2009

My thoughts are prayers are with you as you remember and celebrate Deb's life. She was a role model for many women with disabilities, including myself.

Steven Rower

January 16, 2009

To the family of Debra Hamilton,
I am the son of Irene Samuels. It was an honor to know her, during the years I attended RPI. She was a great help to me when I needed the help the most. She will be missed.

Irene Samuels

January 15, 2009

To the family of Debra Hamilton,
My son was a student at RPI and she was so wonderful with all her help. Her passing will leave a huge gap for all the students with special needs. I feel very lucky to have known her.

Dave Senecal

January 15, 2009

I've known Deb over 28 years as a fellow resident of Capitol Green Apartments and was shocked to hear of passing. Rest In Peace

Andria Daniels

January 15, 2009

To the Hamiliton Family:
Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. I am very saddened to hear of Debra's passing. Debra was a wonderful person. She was my neighbor for many years, and I always enjoyed my conversations with her. Debra was easy to talk to, and always had kind words or a funny story to share. May God bless your family in this time of sorrow.

Thomas McGarry

January 15, 2009

I was very suprised and saddened to hear of Deb's passing. I worked with her on the Board of Consumer Directed Choices, she will be sorely missed by all of us.

Melanie McCulley

January 15, 2009

Debbie and I started out as colleagues and ended up friends for nearly 20 years. She was an incredible woman who inspired me in countless ways and will continue to do so for the rest of my life. She was also very special to my husband and to my daughter.
I love you and will miss you, dear friend.

Nate Horwitz

January 15, 2009

In addition to all the fine work listed in her obituary, Debbie was also an active member of the Honest Weight Food Co-op. Debbie helped out with various administrative tasks here and also helped to orient new members. We are shocked and saddened to hear that she will no longer be with us.

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