Mary Loretta Hamilton

Mary Loretta Hamilton passed away at her home in Pensacola on November 27, 2019 just weeks after she celebrated her hundredth birthday with family members from near and far. She died of natural causes after many months of limited mobility after recovering from a broken femur resulting from a fall.

Mary was born on November 9th, 1919 in Providence, Rhode Island to George and Mary (Fitzpatrick) Lyons. She graduated from Providence Central High School. She married her teenage sweetheart, Vincent J. Hamilton on June 8th, 1939.

After retirement she and Vin moved to Sarasota, FL. She later moved, just after her 80th birthday in 1999, to Pensacola to be closer to Mary and Al and their family. After her move to Pensacola, she worshipped at the Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit.

She was well known for her needlework and knitting. The self-proclaimed “knit-wit” produced well over 100 afghans over the years and gifted them to many family members and special friends. She shared her knitting expertise as a volunteer at the Montessori School of Pensacola, teaching knitting for many years to the children who all called her “Grandma.” This effort led to her recognition as an “Angel in Our Midst” by a local television station.

Mary leaves her daughter and son-in-law, Mary L. Gaudet and Albert J. Gaudet, her son-in-law, John L. Holmes, six grandchildren, Beth (Craig) Snitko, Albert E. Gaudet of New Albany, IN, Christopher J. Gaudet of Pensacola, Keith V. Gaudet of Pensacola, Mark A. Gaudet of Nashville, TN and John V. Holmes of Hampton, VA. She is also survived by eight great grandchildren, Sarah Gaudet, Sadie Gaudet, Connor Snitko, Ross Gaudet, Augustin Gaudet, Tate Gaudet, Phoenix Gaudet, and Halcyon Gaudet, and two great-great grandchildren, Liam and Renna, and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Vincent J. Hamilton, her daughter, Barbara Ann Holmes, her son, Vincent J. Hamilton, Jr., her sister, Ann (William) Cumming, and three brothers, George (Celeste) Lyons, Joseph (Margarite) Lyons and Robert (Willie) Lyons.

A memorial Mass will be conducted on Friday, December 27 at 11:00 am at the Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit at 10650 Gulf Beach Highway. A reception at the Church will follow the service.

The family is grateful for the care provided to Mary by Emerald Coast Hospice, especially Annabelle and Brittinie.