Helen Louise Hamilton
December 11, 1925 - October 30, 2016
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Helen Louise Hamilton
December 11, 1925 - October 30, 2016
Obituary
Helen Louise Matthews Hamilton
Born Dec. 11, 1925 – Died Oct. 30, 2016
Helen was born in the Highland Park area of Los Angeles, and raised in the West Adams District next to Culver City where she attended Marvin Ave. Grade School and graduated from Hamilton High School, class of Summer 1944. Her mother was Erma Bloomquist Matthews, father George C. Matthews, with four siblings – two sisters, Donelle and Annamae, and two brothers, George and Robert.
She met her future husband, William R. (Bill) Hamilton, at age 15 in Newport Beach during Easter vacation in 1941. They dated until their marriage at the U.S. Navy base in Norfolk, VA on March 31, 1945. After WWII ended, her husband was transferred to the Naval Reserve as a Lt. (JG) officer and they started their family of 3 sons, William R. Hamilton Jr., Larry A. Hamilton and Daniel L. Hamilton in that order. They first lived in Venice, CA, then Covina, CA, Western Springs (Chicago) Illinois, (1964 – 1972), then back to California in Newport Beach and finally Capistrano Beach and Big Bear Lake.
During Bill’s “semi-retirement years” in California, they built The Cannery Restaurant and Malarky’s Irish Pub in Newport Beach and operated both – Cannery 1973-1999 and Malarky’s, 1977-2010, until sold to new owners and are still popular today.
Helen was devoted to her family, but had a heart big enough to gather and keep a vast circle of friends and relatives locally and in the USA, Scotland, England, Sweden and Australia. Her charities mostly dealt with children in need, Children Home Society, Boys Home and her favorite, Olive Crest, in Orange County.
Genealogy was her favorite avocation. For over 40 years of research and with the help from the wonderful Mormon Library in Salt Lake City, she compiled family history ledgers for herself and many others.
Helen was a beautiful person in so many ways. She was so loved by so many people of all ages for her personality, humor, wisdom, caring and concern for almost everyone she met. The reaction to her passing has been amazing.
Memorial services will be held Dec. 3 at Mariners Church in Irvine, CA with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Olive Crest of Orange County, California.
2 responses to Helen Louise Hamilton
Stacey Wright-Plunkett says:
November 4, 2016
What an extroanary lady Helen has been on this earth. Her contributions and loyalty to charities were inspirational. Her humor is unexpected along side of her contagious laugh. She lead by example – an example that taught me well. The list of this great lady continues – but I must insert here – she was a beauty, and what a beauty. Bill has good taste not just because Helen’s good looks but for all the amazing attributes Helen possesses. I’ve never known anyone, besides Jesus, that touched so many lives. As busy as Helen (and Bill) have been, all their lives, Helen stopped to check-in with me since I was a young teen. My feeling about our beloved Helen might echo your similar sentiments. I truly feel honored to have Helen Hamilton in my life. A privliage and a blessing. She’s now celebrationing eternally because she’s a believer. Even though my heart aches for my friend – I’ve been remembering all our great times and those memories are now my treasures from Helen. Joy to Helen!
Love from, Stacey Wright-Plunkett.
Cecilia Novak says:
December 5, 2016
Helen and my Mom are the most special women in my life. Helen had a way of making you feel so special. She showed me what life could be for a poor kid from Chicago. Love you Helen. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Cecilia Adams Novak