Verna "Jean" Hamilton

Jean was a devout Catholic woman of God who was deeply dedicated to her family. She was known for her grace, kindness, and her love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Jean was proud of her Irish heritage and was an avid fan of the Michigan State Spartans. She was especially proud of building a business (Spartan Travel) and traveling the world with her beloved husband, Bert.

Jean was born on a farm in Peck, Michigan, where she enjoyed spending Christmas time with her relatives, visiting her grandmother, riding her favorite pony, and going to dances with her sisters.

After graduating from St. Joseph Academy for Girls, Jean attended the University of Detroit. She married in 1950 and raised her family in East Lansing.

Jean is survived by her children: Sheila (Rick) Banducci, Kevin (Lynnette) Hamilton, Dennis (Tami) Hamilton, Patty Hamilton, Marilyn (Matt) Brennan, and Julie (Dave) Mallett. She is also survived by son-in-laws David Pawelec and Bill Gates, grandchildren Brian, Michael, John, Jim Livingston, Nick (Erin) Hamilton, Kelli (Huseyin)Taran, Stephanie and Mat Slee, Nicole and Melissa Pawelec, Joe (Beth) Hamilton, Heather (Sam Lane) Hamilton, Alison (Hugo Macedo) Hamilton, Libby Hamilton, Matthew, Bridie, Patrick Brennan, Katie, Alex, Parker Gates, Jack, Brett, Luke, Abigail Mallett, and 15 great-grandchildren. Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Herbert "Bert" Hamilton, daughters Sharon Slee, Kathleen Pawelec, Marjorie Gates, and son-in-law Norman Slee.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 11:30am at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish 955 Alton Road East Lansing, MI 48823 with a visitation one hour prior. Interment to follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sisters Haven. Sisters Haven is a non-profit www.sisters-haven.org dedicated to supporting pregnant and parenting mothers and babies in need. The vision of Sisters Haven was created in honor of mothers like Sharon, Kathleen, and Marjorie – Jean’s daughters. Donate here: https://bit.ly/3ItnBVi