Barbara J. Hamilton

Barbara Hamilton 1988Barbara Hamilton 1953AUBURN — Barbara J. (D’Eon) Hamilton, 83, of Lisbon Falls, died Wednesday, April 1, at Clover Manor, at the end of her nine year struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.   She was born June 25, 1931, in Gardiner, the only child of Minnie (Hughes) and Curtis D’Eon. The family moved to Peabody, Mass., for a time, then relocated to Hallowell, where she was educated in Hallowell schools, graduating from Hallowell High in 1949. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in elementary/junior high education from Farmington State Teacher’s College in 1953. It was there she met Edwin Hamilton, who became her husband of 60 years. With a two-year exception, she taught continuously until her retirement in 1988, teaching at schools in Bath, Hallowell, Columbus, Ga., Auburn and Lisbon Falls.

Barbara was accomplished in silver jewelry creation, lapidary and was an excellent scrimshander; she will be particularly remembered for her scrimshaw bookmarks, made from old piano keys. She sold these items with Ed through their jewelry business, H and H Jewelers, for 30 years, from 1977 to 2007. Through the business, she was active in the United Maine Craftsmen, the Society of Southern Maine Craftsmen and the Central Maine Craft Guild, which absorbed the bulk of her organizational and social energy and interests. She held several elected positions in all three.

She had numerous other interests, and most enjoyed needlepoint projects, collecting and assembling miniature dollhouses, was an avid reader and had a deep interest in travelling to historic and scenic places. These adventures were a great joy to her. With tent, stove and camping gear, she, Ed, and the family explored most of the United States and a great deal of Canada. Her favorite places in Maine included Cathedral Pines and the Chain of Ponds.

Barbara is survived by her husband, R. Edwin Hamilton of Lisbon Falls; two sons, Bryce Hamilton and his wife, Holly, of Durham, Curtis and his wife, Michelle, of Portland; and her granddaughter, Mary Vieira and husband, Alan, of Sabattus; and great-grandson, AJ Vieira of Sabattus.

She was predeceased by her parents.

The family would like to thank Androscoggin Home Health and Hospice for all the care and kindness given Barbara during the last stages of her illness, as well as the staff at Clover Manor.