Mary Delia Hamilton

Mary Delia (McQuarrie) Hamilton East Millinocket - Mary Delia (McQuarrie) Hamilton died August 28, 2015 after 97 years living such as to be “….ready for the Son of Man to come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Matthew 24:42-44) has taken eternal residence in the “… Father’s house … at a place prepared…for where I am, there you may also be.” (John 14:2-3). Delia was a kind, genial, generous woman of few words, but moving voice, small in stature overshadowed by her strength of character. She was a devoted, loving daughter, sibling, wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, great great grandmother, friend, Aunt and trusted listener to all that sought consolation from her. Living in a large family of meager means, through the years of the Great Depression, and the rationing during WWII, Delia learned early how to be frugal and lived accordingly. A single chicken carcass could almost instantly be transformed into a cherished banquet for family or friends. She had a passion for dandelions and wild berries. While never known to dabble in dandelion winery, her strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry pies were prized by all who encountered them and created fierce rivalries for the “last piece” among family and friends alike. Delia was an easily made friend to all she met, but had a special affection for children with whom she would play endlessly with to improvised games to their delight and enduring affection. She was particularly devoted to her church, St. Peter’s in East Millinocket, and served on numerous committees, taught Sunday School, was a charter member of the St. Anne Circle Daughters of Isabella and actively served on numerous committees and Daughter’s sponsored initiatives likely holding the record for meals served and funerals attended. She also for several years taught Sunday School and sponsored many children in receipt of their Baptism, Confirmation, and First Communion Sacraments and even served as witness in a few marriage ceremonies when needed. She was well known throughout the Diocese of Portland and among her many clerical friends. She was especially fond of her friend and fellow student at Stearns High School, Bishop Gerry. She also was involved in numerous civic activities and served for many years as a volunteer at East Millinocket’s voting polls. Combined, her church, civic, and family tree made her widely known and recognized throughout Maine whenever and to whoever her name was mentioned. Delia is survived by her son, Carl and his wife Janet (Pontin) Hamilton of Old Town, one grand daughter, Kate Hamilton and her husband, Philip Francis of Old Town; four great grand daughters, Carlee Rae Hamilton of East Millinocket, Myrah Hamilton, Lillian Delia and Michele Francis, all of Old Town and focus of her newest joy and affection, one great-great grandson, Dayton Gary Burpee of East Millinocket. “Aunt” Delia is also survived by a very special niece, Mary Jane McAvoy and her husband Rick, her children, Amy and Randy Cyr, Lisa and Troy Harvey, Mary and Jeff Stelley, and their respective children; she was especially close to Neal Michaud and Thomas McQuarrie, who she helped raise and nurture through their youth; her class mate of Stearns High School, class of 1937, Delia #2 (Raymond) Cummings, and approximately 500 more nieces and nephews, all special to her. Additionally, Delia leaves scores of valued friends, too numerous to list. Delia was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Carl Hamilton; his parents, Merle and Lona (Jameson) Hamilton; her parents, Neal and Phoebe (Thibodeau) McQuarrie; her 15 siblings and respective spouses, Wallace and Yvonne (Corneau) McQuarrie, Mattie (McQuarrie) and Burleigh O’Roak, Annie (McQuarrie) and Eddie Raymond, Helen (McQuarrie) and Hanlon Mann, Daniel and Anna (Beaulieu) McQuarrie, Rosie (McQuarrie) and Joseph King, John McQuarrie, Katie (McQuarrie) and Eddie Budreau, Frank and Jeanne (Chase) McQuarrie, Nellie (McQuarrie and Fred Pratt, Jr., Frederick McQuarrie, Andrew and Eddie (Walls) McQuarrie, Neal and Perlie (Walls) McQuarrie, Ida (McQuarrie) and Pete Michaud, and Benjamin and Josephine (Surette) McQuarrie; and a special niece raised as her sister, Helen (McQuarrie) and Gilbert Fowler; several nieces and nephews, among them those which she nurtured throughout their youth in East Millinocket, Peter Michaud, Elizabeth (Bitsey) McQuarrie, and Fred Pratt, III. In addition to witnessing the passing of her valued family members, Delia’s faith eased the burden of witnessing her peers and close friends too numerous to list go before her. Friends are invited to visit with the family 4-7 P.M. Monday, August 31 at the Lamson Funeral Home, 11 Tamarack St., Millinocket. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 1 P.M. Tuesday, September 1 at Christ the Divine Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 58 Cedar St., East Millinocket, with the Rev. Bruce Siket, pastor, presider. Interment will be at the East Millinocket Cemetery. Gifts in memory of Delia may be sent to The Good Samaritan Agency, 100 Ridgewood Drive, Bangor, ME 04401; or to St. Andre Home, 283 Elm St., Biddeford, ME 04005; or to the charity of one’s choice.