BELCHERTOWN, Mass. — Mary L. (née Schuyler) Hamilton, who was known for her kind heart, died on Monday, May 13, 2024. She was 82.

“Mary fought many complex illnesses in the past few years and made the choice to spend her final days at home surrounded by the people she loved,” her family wrote in a tribute. “Anyone who knew Mary knew that her greatest source of joy was time spent with her family.

“Mary will live on through her daughter, Cathy Beaver, and her husband, Ron, of Belchertown, as well as their two children, Amanda and Christopher.

“Mary was beloved by her brother, JB Schuyler, and his wife, Kathy, of Tyngsboro, Massachusetts. She will also be greatly missed by her husband, William Hamilton of Voorheesville, and her daughter-in-law, Elaine Legere of Duanesburg.

“She is preceded in death by her son, William; her sister, Patsy; and her brother, Joseph ‘Paul.’

“Mary was lucky in her life to have friends that became family. She will remain forever in the hearts of those she loved like they were family. Sandy, Katelynn, Heather (Jon), Madison, and Emma held a very special place in her heart.

“Mary was an active member of the Belchertown United Church of Christ where she was known for her kind heart, volunteerism, and vegetable-chopping skills. She dedicated much of her time to helping the church and church members. Many of those church members became very dear friends who will miss her deeply.

“In addition to her church service, she enjoyed square dancing, baking, reading, taking photos, and spending time with her neighbors at Mill Hollow.

“Mary had a kind soul and gave of herself often. She treated everyone she met like she had known them for years. She cared deeply about others and loved with her whole heart.

“She could often be heard laughing around a campfire or with her toes in the sand at the beach. She lived for a drive up to the coast for clams in Maine and trips all over the country to visit her grandchildren wherever they found themselves.

“She will be missed for her adventurous spirit, her loving heart, and the way she laughed.”

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Services will be held Saturday, May 18, at 11 a.m. at the Belchertown United Church of Christ, 20 Park St. Belchertown MA 01007. Luncheon to follow.