Marie Hamilton

July 5, 1942 - July 13, 2026

Well, here I am writing my own obituary! I figured if anyone was going to tell my story, it should be me. After all, I always liked doing things my way! What a ride it's been—84 wonderful years! The sky must have lit up bright and welcoming the day I arrived. I know Ken was waiting to dance me through those pearly gates. We shared fifty wonderful years of marriage before he passed on November 2, 2015. I was also welcomed by my parents, Sal J. Gionfrido and Genevieve Martino Gionfrido. My biggest accomplishment was being a mom to my children— Kenneth, Paul (Diana), and Nichelle. I was blessed with the greatest gifts of all: my three beautiful granddaughters, my triple A's- Ariana, Ava, and Alana. Ariana, you are my heart, my soul, and my constant companion on this journey of love. I taught you well—you are definitely me, without a doubt, stubborn! Ava, my sweet Ava, you are my brainchild. I am so proud of the woman you've become. I cherish the secrets we shared, the lessons we learned together, and the fact that I finally had someone who loved talking politics as much as I did! And to my favorite Hamilton baby, Alana La—you stole my heart with your wisecracks, dramatic eye rolls, and ever-changing hair colors: pink, green, blonde...what was next? Girl, you couldn't sit still for a minute before putting on gel polish or eyelashes. I know you're going to follow in my footsteps and go to cosmetology school and I have a feeling you're going to outshine me—and I couldn't be prouder!

I have had so many special people in my life including my dear friend Susan B. (you will always be my best friend because you know too much) and my favorite cousin Carole. Carole and I always joked (and argued!) about who was older, but no matter who won that debate, she will always hold a special place in my heart.

I was one of seven children. I was preceded in death by my brothers Paul and his beloved wife, Teri, whom I loved dearly; Richard and his partner, Norman Dunfee (who, let's be honest, was much nicer than Richard!); and my little brother Frank, who is dearly missed.

A special shout-out to my brother Joseph and his wife, Jane. We've laughed, cried, and stood by each other through the years. Thank you for always being there for me. To my godson Matt, his wife Ashley, and their children Garrett and Skylar—you've built a beautiful family. Joe, you're the perfect grandpa. Those kids will keep you young!

To my sisters, Janet Harvey, her son Jacob, and my little sister Annette ("Nettums"), her husband Walter Hamerski, and my niece Ashley and her beautiful daughter Brooke—I love you all.

I was born in Hartford on July 5, 1942. I always said I'd die in my city. Along the way, I found a wonderful community in Hartford's South End and with the Naylor School PTO. Those were days of true unity. All of Hartford shared the same education challenges, and we cared deeply about our schools and our neighborhoods. It was heartbreaking to watch the breakdown of those neighborhoods and the changes that slowly transformed our beautiful city. I brought that passion to the Hartford Board of Education for four years before moving into banking, where I learned a whole new profession—until they told me I couldn't smoke in the bank! So naturally, I found another job where I could. Ah yes...the culprit behind so many of my bad decisions. I saved the best for last: my years at Hartford City Hall as the Democratic Deputy Registrar of Voters. Wow! What a bonanza! I asked my good buddy Mayor Mike for a bench to sit on while we smoked and solved the city's problems, sometimes even the nation's. But the real treasure wasn't the bench. It was the people who sat there with me. Many became lifelong friends, and those friendships meant the world. Now I have to ask Mayor Mike for a table so I can sit and gab with my good friend Fran Pappas, Hector Robles (my favorite cop), Dan Carey- "Danny Boy" and my favorite redhead Kathy Collins. What a reunion that will be!!

Of course, all that smoking has now kicked me in the behind. But through it all, I learned how to lead, how to delegate, and, most importantly, how to do things my way. Not too shabby. See you all on the other side. I'll be waiting...But this time, without the cigarettes.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 2-6 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com