Joan Gearhart Hamilton

On Monday, January 16, 2023, Joan Gearhart Hamilton passed away peacefully surrounded by family.  Born to the late A.G. and Ruth Gearhart of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, Joan graduated from the University of Vermont with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 1949.  After moving to Newark, Delaware to work as a registrar at the University of Delaware, she met William (Bill) Hamilton who became her husband.  They were married in 1954 and had two children before Bill's death in 1964.  She continued to live in Newark until moving to Jenner’s Pond Retirement Community in Jennersville, Pennsylvania in 2006. Joan was the original “single-parent” raising two children from ages 4 and 7 through adulthood all by herself.  Joan loved dogs and horses and owned many through the years. She was always creating – baskets, quilts, decoupage, fabric art and lots of knitted socks!  Her favorite place from the time she was born was her beloved Lake Mineola in Brodheadsville, PA where as a teen she worked at the “Pavilion” selling ice cream and renting canoes.  She was a devoted member of the New Ark United Church of Christ and served on numerous committees through the years. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Hamilton (John O’Hagan) of Downingtown, Pennsylvania; her son, Mark Hamilton of Shirley, Massachusetts, grandson, William Hamilton and granddaughter, Lila Hamilton.  A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of giving flowers, the family asks that those who are able, to donate to the Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians (LAMP). carnegielibrary.org/donate/support-lamp/ 800-242-0586.

To view this tribute online and share a memory with her family please visit Longwood Funeral Home at longwoodfuneralhome.com

A memorial service for Joan Hamilton will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at the New Ark United Church of Christ, 300 E. Main Street, Newark DE.  Family visitation begins at 10 AM, service at 11 AM, followed by a reception at Wells Hall.

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