Helen Elizabeth McClellan Hamilton, age 100, died peacefully on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 after a long, loving and active life. She was born on June 13, 1916 to Clem and Genevieve McClellan of Glendora, Mich.
Helen was an exceptional student in school, led her class in spelling and creative writing and played the leading role in her high school senior play.
She married jazz clarinetist Alexander Roy Hamilton in 1936 and settled in South Bend, Ind. where “Lex” was Plant Engineer at the Torrington Company. They were active members of St. Paul Memorial Methodist Church and for many years led the Senior High Youth Group. They were also board members of the Camps Farthest Out, a national Christian retreat organization. In the 1950’s Helen became a Hospice volunteer calling on patients and families.
Following the death of her husband in 1984, Helen continued living in South Bend until 2008 when she left to live with her son Philip in Peachtree City where she became an active member of the First Presbyterian Church. She will be remembered as a devoted Christian, prayer warrior, grand hostess, mentor, friend to everyone and for her always engaging smile followed by hugs to those she knew.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and most of her many friends.
She is survived by her two sons Robert (Beverely) and Philip (Alice). She is lovingly remembered by her six grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and ten nephews and nieces.
The memorial service for Helen will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at 11 a.m. Internment will be at St. Joseph Memorial Park near South Bend, Ind. at a later date.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be given to First Presbyterian Church of Peachtree City, 206 Willow Bend Rd, Peachtree City, Ga., Camps Farthest Out, 901 Hawleyton Rd., Binghamton, N.Y. 13903, or the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
