Mary Tonkin Hamilton, 92, died on March 10, 2020. Mary was born on November 19, 1927 in Pittsburgh, PA to Elsworth and Ada (Quick) Tonkin.
On June 26, 1948, she married Robert Milo Hamilton who preceded her in death in 2015. Bob and Mary have three children: John (Boni) Hamilton, Denver, CO; Jane (Tim Feldmann) Hamilton, Annapolis, MD; and David (Amy) Hamilton, Gainesville, VA; four grandchildren: Nick (Amanda) Hamilton, Eric Hamilton, Jamie Hamilton, and Rachel (Nick) Lapointe; and two great grandchildren: Leo and Reed Lapointe.
Mary grew up in Edgewood, Pennsylvania. She earned a Home Economics degree from Indiana State Teacher’s College. Her desire was to prepare to be a homemaker, wife, and mother. Mary met Bob Hamilton at a Christian Endeavor bowling party in Pittsburgh, and they settled in Greenville after marriage. They owned an Amoco gas station for seven years and then Hamilton Music Store, which was a downtown mainstay in Greenville for 25 years. Mary was an accomplished seamstress and held classes for women in town.
The Hamiltons were active members of First Presbyterian Church in Greenville all of their married life. Mary served as an Elder among many other roles. Mary was well known for riding her bicycle all around town, to the grocery store, to the pool and just for fun. She loved swimming in the local pool and later served on the Pool Board. She enjoyed photography and actively participated in the local photography club, winning many awards.
After her children were grown, Mary served as Coordinator of English as a Second Language for a number of years and derived great satisfaction from helping immigrants learn to speak English. Toan Le, one of her early students, became like a son to her and part of our family.
Bob and Mary traveled extensively and made international friends everywhere they went. Mary always enjoyed learning and became quite adept at German, their favorite country to visit.
Funeral Services are private and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Loutzenhiser-Jordan Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 366-368 S. Main St., Greenville.
We are so very sorry for the loss of your dear Mom. What a special lady, and will be missed very much.
With our deep sympathy.
Elaine and Jay Hodge
You have our sympathy and condolences in the passing of your mother. What a blessing to have had her for so many years. You have many many memories to look back upon. You are in our prayers.
(Remembering both of you from Greenville Schools)
You are in my prayers as you grieve the loss of your mother. Mary was a very special lady and will be greatly missed by those who so admired her for her quiet, gentle manner. Because of her declining health, she has already been missed by those of us who so admired her for her independence and her commitment to health by riding her bike on the streets of Greeenville as she conducted her daily tasks. May you be comforted by our Lord and may your memories be strong and keep her alive for you and your family members.
Mary was a very special lady with a sweet gentle smile. She taught us to always look for beauty even in darkness. I commented one winter day that I couldn’t wait for spring when the leaves would be on the trees. She replied “But then you couldn’t see all the beautiful shapes of the branches.” Heaven is much brighter because Mary is there.
Tom & Nancy Hoffacker
How saddened we were to learn of Mary’s passing. We will always remember her riding her bicycle through town…she was much admired for that and for her kind and gentle spirit. She will certainly be missed. Bill and Mary Jane
Mary was a long time member of Coterie, a study club here in Greenville. We all enjoyed her reports and her love of learning. She had so many interests and talents, which she shared with us. We have missed her since she moved from Greenville and we were saddened to read of her passing.
Please accept our condolences.
Helen Nichols for the ladies of Coterie.