Colleen was born October 29, 1939, (in Benton, Wisconsin) to Rita and Orrin Smith. The eldest of eight children, Colleen, began taking care of others at an early age. She grew up and graduated from high school in Galena, Illinois.
Colleen married David Hamilton, her high school sweetheart, on April 9, 1960. Shortly after, she began working as an X-Ray Technician. They spent their early years with the Air Force moving 22 times in 24 years while raising four children. For them, home included: New Haven, Connecticut; Clark AFB, Philippines; Itazuke AFB Hakata, Japan; Kadena AFB, Okinawa; Tempe, AZ; El Segundo, CA; Offutt AFB, Nebraska; Kelly AFB, San Antonio, Texas and finally Plano, Texas.
Colleen was a kind and honest person with a huge heart. She was a petite woman but was stronger and tougher than anyone we knew. She loved and respected her parents and credited them for instilling in her strong values and high standards. She was a devout Catholic with unshakeable faith. Colleen was a wonderful mother who taught us countless lessons and always emphasized honesty and good manners. She was also a loving daughter, sister, wife, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She and David enjoyed traveling and visiting family. Her hobbies included gardening, sewing, knitting, puzzles and music. Oh, did she love singing to Barbra Streisand songs at the highest volume. An excellent cook and baker, she provided amazing meals and desserts for us daily. Colleen lit up around her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and she formed strong bonds with all fourteen. She loved her family so much and was devoted to David’s care during his long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was the ultimate caregiver to all of us, and we loved her deeply. She will be so missed.
Colleen is survived by her daughter Lisa (Curtis) Carlson of Iowa, son David (Lori) Hamilton of Texas, son Scott (Lori )Hamilton of Colorado, and daughter Lara (Brian) Kenney of Texas, grandchildren Jeff (Lauren) of Colorado, Rachael (Nolan) of Colorado, Eric (Courtney) of Texas, Adam (Joan) of Michigan, Melissa of Iowa, and Jack, Katie, Caroline, Emmitt, and Sasha of Texas, great grandchildren Kinley, Nora, Leighton, and Colton of Colorado, sister Pat (California), sister Carol (Iowa), sister Ellen (Colorado), sister Laurie (Colorado) and brother Orrin (Iowa). Colleen was preceded in death by her husband David, father Orrin, mother Rita, sister Linda and brother Ron.
The Vigil will be held on Sunday, March 6, 2022 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, located at 1201 Alma Drive, Plano, Texas 75075.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 7, 2022, at 10:00 AM also at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, at 1201 Alma Drive, Plano, Texas 75075.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Catholic Foundation of Dallas or the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dignitymemorial.com for the Hamilton family.
Ted Dickey Funeral Home in Plano, Texas has charge of arrangements.
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