Mary E. Hamilton, 93 passed away of natural causes on Tuesday April 19, 2022 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She was born April 28, 1928 to Martin and Margaret (Tobin) Vaughan in the Bronx, N.Y.

She spent her childhood in New York, married John “Jack” Foley in 1951 and after traveling the US the couple settled in Dix Hills, NY where they raised their three children, Peggy, Kathleen and Jay. She was an active member of St. Matthew’s Roman Catholic church and a homemaker up until the sudden passing of her husband Jack. She was then employed by Half Hollow Hills High School where she served as an Administrative Assistant to the principal of the school. She married George Hamilton in 1978 and after retirement from Half Hollow Hills High School worked with George in his private CPA and Tax practice. Mary and George moved to Virginia Beach in 1998 after George’s retirement.

Mary was proud of her Irish heritage, an active church member who loved to travel. She was an avid writer, loved to crochet baby blankets, connect with her large extended family and be an advocate for the less fortunate, Her greatest pleasure came from the positive relationships she shared with her immediate and extended family. 

Mary was predeceased by her parents Martin and Margaret Vaughan, both her husbands, Jack Foley and George Hamilton, daughter Mary Kathleen Wilmot and grandchild Peter Hamilton. Left to cherish her memory are her sister Ellen Bagatta, Mary’s children Peggy Pannenbacker (Bobby), Jay Foley (Nita), George Hamilton (Bernadette), Neil Hamilton (Katherine), Fred Hamilton, Chris Hamilton, son-in-law, Scott Wilmot, grandchildren Lauren Lamoureux (Tom), Kristin Radanovic (Mike), Meghan Pannenbacker, Monica Glisson (Andrew), Jack Foley, Alexander Foley, Samantha Foley, Christopher Foley, Brian Hamilton (Lauren), Timothy Hamilton, Elisabeth Hamilton, James Hamilton, Sarah Hamilton, Jordan Hamilton and Justin Hamilton. Mary also left behind 9 great grandchildren and countless nieces and nephews.

On May 12, the services to celebrate Mary’s life will include a catholic mass at the Church of the Ascension, 4853 Princess Anne Rd. Virginia Beach at noon, preceded by a gathering in the church entryway at 11:30AM. Following the service will be a reception from 1:00 to 3:00PM in the church hall. There will also be an inurnment service to be held at the Church of the Holy Family, 1279 N. Great Neck Rd., Virginia Beach at 4:00PM.

Because of Mary’s passion for the less fortunate of her community and her belief in the mission of Norfolk Catholic Worker she would like contributions in her memory be made to the Norfolk Catholic Worker, 1321 W 38th St, Norfolk, VA 23508.