Carolyn D. Hamilton

Carolyn Dill Hamilton, a long-time Chatham resident, died peacefully on May 3, 2011, at age 86. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Carolyn was an involved member of the community, and a very active and supporting wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, Carolyn married her high school sweetheart, W. Lawrence (Larry) Hamilton after he returned from World War II. They settled in White Plains, New York, where for the next 38 years, she was active in many community organizations. She served as Director of the Institute for Socio-Economic Studies, which advocated reforms for taxes, health care and welfare in New York, and was presented the Outstanding Parent Award by the White Plains teachers. An avid gardener, Carolyn spent time as president of the Chatham Garden Club and a director and founder of the White Plains Beautification Foundation.

In 1985, she retired with her husband to their vacation home in Chatham, Massachusetts, where she continued to support the community. Her love of animals and birds fueled her involvement in WildCare, rescuing and caring for many baby birds. And although Carolyn rarely made it up until midnight, she was one of the founders of First Night Chatham. Carolyn spent many mornings walking the four miles to and from the Harding's Beach Lighthouse, one of her favorite places.

Carolyn was the biggest supporter of any of her family members and would often volunteer to call any given boss in an effort to secure a raise or a bonus, even the President of the United States for her son, a Navy SEAL. She had a passion for chocolate. Carolyn and Larry always had poodles, most of whom were named after Carolyn’s favorite gems. She collected Russian lacquer boxes, miniature tea sets and music boxes, which she displayed more than 50 of each Christmas. Carolyn did needlepoint all of her life, and designed and made flags for her husband’s flag and flagpole company.

Carolyn designed and built three large dollhouses, one for each of her granddaughters and an elaborate Victorian home for herself. She needlepointed all of the rugs and hand-painted the faces on each of the dolls. Carolyn always ensured that she accounted for every realistic miniature detail.

Carolyn will be missed by her husband of 65 years, W. Lawrence Hamilton, daughter Letitia Hamilton Jordan and son-in-law Bob, son William L. Hamilton III, four grandchildren Rebecca Jordan Synnestvedt and husband Jed; William Jordan; Gregory Hamilton; Carolyn Hamilton; as well as five great-grandchildren, Henry, Madeline and William (children of granddaughter Rebecca), Jayden and Lydia (children of granddaughter Carolyn).

A memorial service celebrating Carolyn’s life will be held on May 20, 2011 at 11AM at the First Congregational Church of Chatham located on Main Street in Chatham. Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Resident Council Fund at Liberty Commons, 389 Orleans Road, North Chatham, MA 02650.