Elaine Hamilton

Elaine Hamilton was born on September 23, 1942 to the late Jimmy and Aline Ice in Bardstown, KY. For most of her adult life, she considered home her house on Cedar Hollow Drive in Louisville. After graduating high school, Elaine spent some time studying at Nazareth College before transferring to Spaulding University where she studied business. She then went on to work for GE in 1968, serving the company for over 30 years. She had an incredible passion for home decor; .She spent much of her free time cleaning and perfecting her space. 

Elaine met her first love John (‘Great John’) Hamilton and the two were married in 1964. Three years later they welcomed a baby girl Michelle, and soon after a baby boy Charles Hugo. Elaine worked hard to ensure that her children got the best of Catholic education. She is preceded in death by her dear husband John. 

In the mid 2000s, she met Earnest Ray Essary, and the two were together until her passing. Elaine loved Ray and that was evident in the way she took care of him. It is a blessing he was able to do the same for her in her final months. Elaine was also a loving grandmother to four grandchildren: Charles, James, Evelyn, and Ethan and her great-grandson, Ezra David Lee Bell.

Elaine was member of Saint Athanasius church in Louisville. She was always inclined to do work for charity, and devoted much time and energy to raising money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Elaine was proudest to give back to others. 

Elaine was also actively involved in her local Delta Tau chapter of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha sorority. She served for many years as the organization’s secretary and treasurer. She often hosted gatherings in her home and impacted the lives of many great women. 

In everything she did, Elaine led with kindness. She was a wonderful host and a generous giver. She often made sacrifices to ensure that those around her would be satisfied. 

She leaves behind a daughter (Michelle) and son in law (David) and son (Hugo) 4 grandchildren (Charles, James, Evelyn, and Ethan) and grandson in law (Philip) and 1 great grandchild (Ezra) siblings, Betty Williams, James “Bucky” Ice and Jan Terrell (Robert) several nieces, nephews and a host of other dear family and friends.

Her legacy is felt by the whole family, and we rejoice that she will spend eternity with the Heavenly Father!

In addition to be reunited with her parents and her husband, she will also be with her sisters, Martha Ann Simpson and Ellen Marie Ice.

Funeral arrangements have been made with visitation on Friday, February 3 from 3:30 to 8 PM. The service is to be held on the following day at 10 AM at Schoppenhorst, Underwood and Brooks Funeral Home in Shepherdsville. 

The family asks that in memoriam donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.