Hilary Patricia Jean Hamilton, 76
GORHAM – Hilary P. Hamilton, of Gorham passed away peacefully at home after a long, courageous battle with cancer on Jan. 30, 2017.
Hilary was born in Medford, MA on Oct. 5, 1940 to John H. Hamilton and Natalie F. Hanson. She grew up in Belmont, MA until 1954 when her family relocated to Gorham, ME. Hilary attended and graduated from Gorham High School. She married Gordon E. Junkins in 1958. Together they had two daughters.
She was an independent and adventurous spirit with a thirst for knowledge. Enrolling in college in 1970, she began a long career in education, earning a Master’s of Education. Additionally, Hilary earned certifications in English as a Second Language, Reading Development and Instruction, and Guidance and Counseling.
In 1976, Hilary headed to St. Thomas, VI on a shark fishing expedition and ended up relocating to the island which became her true home. There she worked for many area schools as a Guidance Counselor and an ESL teacher. Returning to Maine to be closer to her family, Hilary worked as a Guidance Counselor for Crooked River Elementary School in Casco until retiring in 2010.
Hilary’s passion was sailing. She spent many hours on the sea, eventually obtaining her Captain’s license. She was also an avid volunteer. Some of the organizations she championed were The Humane Society of St. Thomas, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, the Maine Wildlife Park, Relay for Life and the Baxter Memorial Library where she was a board member for a short time.
Hilary is predeceased by her parents, John and Natalie Hamilton, brother, Jack Hamilton and niece, Marilyn Condodemetracky. She is survived by daughters, Tracy J. Junkins and Karen D. Junkins, both of Gorham, grandsons, Christopher S. Brown of NY, Michael B. Brown of HI, and Hunter J. Beleckis of Gorham. She is also survived by sisters, Gail Noyes and husband Roland of Nashua, NH, Diane Coombs of Windham, ME and Judy Plaice of Rock Hill, SC and brother, Kenneth Hamilton and wife Sharon of Manchester, NH. Along with several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 7th from 1 – 4 PM at Spire 29, located at 29 School St., Gorham.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com
Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s
Hospital or the Humane Society of the Virgin Islands.