Joan (O'Brien ) Hamilton passed away peacefully on Sunday (December 11, 2011) at home with loved ones by her side. She joins her late husband of 54 years, Dr. Charles R. Hamilton in Heaven. Joan was born on September 23rd, 1927 in Redding, MA to the late Frank and Delia (Riley) O'Brien. She was a long-time resident of Manchester and most recently resided in Coventry with family. She is survived by her loving children Cheryl Nurmi and husband James of Oconomowoc, WI, James Hamilton and wife Apryl of Coventry, Sara Jones and husband Thomas of Fairfield, CA, David Hamilton and wife Nancy of Somers, and her grandchildren James Nurmi, Daniel Nurmi, Emily Hamilton, Joseph Hamilton, Benjamin Jones, Nicholas Jones, Patrick Hamilton, and Christopher Hamilton, and great-grand children JD, Anna, and Esmee Nurmi. Joan is also survived by her sister Kathalen Mitchell of East Longmeadow, MA and Kathalen's children Mary, Frank, Margaret, and their families, and many other nieces and nephews. Of special note are her close friends Gloria, Muriel, Virginia, and Ellie as well as Mary, Jack, Gwen, Bob, Elaine and Ann. Joan was one of the founding members of the Saint Bartholomew Parish. She maintained a significant involvement in Parish activities, and was one of the first members and founders of the Guild. Joan held many offices, including President of the Guild. Joan was part of the Alter Committee and a Catechism teacher with Saint Bartholomew's for many years. Her most recent contributions include involvement in the Small Christian Community prayer group. Joan also accepted the task of making garments for Saint Bartholomew's baptismal ceremonies. In her free time, Joan loved to cook for her friends and family, was a talented seamstress, and avid gardener. She enjoyed weekly games of cards and get-togethers with her special friends from Manchester, and annual trips to Cape Cod, MA with her long-time school friends. Funeral services have been arranged by the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center Street, Manchester CT on Thursday, December 15th, 2011 at 9:15 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at Saint Bartholomew Church in Manchester. Burial will be in Saint Bridget's Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday, December 14th, 2011 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the Tierney Funeral Home. Donations may be made in Joan's memory to the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center, c/o Fund Development, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT 06102. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.