Doreen Booth Hamilton

Doreen grew up in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan and spent summers in her mother’s native country, Denmark, where she especially enjoyed horseback riding with her cousins and friends. She was a member of The Madeira School class of 1950, graduated from Sweet Briar College in 1954 and married George E. Hamilton III weeks later. They were happily married until Mr. Hamilton’s death in 1994.

Doreen was a past President of the Friends of the National Arboretum as well as a past President of the Acorn Garden Club. She also served as a Board member with The Nature Conservancy (Maryland Chapter), Junior League of Washington DC, Hillcrest Children’s Center, Chevy Chase Club, Friends of the National Arboretum, The Madeira School, Children’s National Hospital’s Emeritus Board and its Board of Lady Visitors, as well as Co-Chairman of the dedication of the hospital in its current location.

Doreen received numerous awards for her service including the 2002 Friend of Children Award from Children’s National Hospital and she was honored by the Children’s Hospital Foundation at the 2005 Exceptional Volunteer Fundraiser on National Capital Philanthropy Day. Soon after moving to Washington in1954, Doreen began volunteering at Children’s when her younger sister, Winkie, contracted polio which would paralyze her for the rest of her life. Doreen’s commitment to the hospital inspired her husband, George, to get involved as well - chairing fundraising drives and eventually serving as President of Children’s from 1970 to 1974 when they were both involved in helping to plan and prepare for the construction of the building in its current location. Doreen remained devoted to Children’s Hospital, its staff and volunteers for the rest of her life.

For 35 years Doreen enjoyed spending weekends on Maryland’s Eastern Shore where she and George had built a home overlooking Irish Creek near Royal Oak, MD. They made happy memories with their growing family, visiting relatives and many dear friends there.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Doreen had many hobbies. She spent hours tending her garden and was an avid reader who enjoyed her book club. She also delighted in engaging in lively political discussions over the years and often spoke of how much she loved her family and friends as well as her fellow Board members and the staff of the various organizations of which she was a part, often saying how sincerely she appreciated the support and happiness they all gave her.

In addition to her husband, Doreen was predeceased by her parents, John L. Booth and Winifred W. Standart, and her sister, Winkie Booth. Mrs. Hamilton is survived by her four children: Winkie Bierbower (Bill), George Hamilton (Madelyn), Chris Hamilton (Nisi) and Merrick Grutchfield (Lee) as well as ten grandchildren: Chris, Will and Thomas Bierbower, Anna Hamilton, Miles, Eliza, Lawson and Lydia Hamilton, Lindsey and Nathan Grutchfield, and one great grandchild. She is also survived by her sister Jackie Booth, her nieces Heidi, Paige and Holly Coleman and her three half brothers: Joe Standart, John and Ralph Booth.

The family is grateful for the exceptional caregivers at Larmax Homes on Greyswood Road in Bethesda who became Doreen’s dear friends in the final years of her life - she loved them very much. Special thanks also to the very compassionate and attentive staff of JSSA Hospice.

A memorial service has been planned for 1:00 pm on Friday, November 14th at St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, 4201 Albemarle Street NW, Washington, DC 20016. If you wish, donations in Doreen’s honor can be made to the Children’s National Hospital Foundation.