Rona Hamilton

Rona Hamilton (nee Gilbert)

Rona peacefully left her body on March 17, 2020. Though the last few months of her life presented physical challenges, the love she gave and was surrounded by, was as strong as ever. There is no doubt that she is now reunited with the love of her life, late husband Gilbert (Gil) Hamilton, and adoring parents Barbara (Bobbi) and Steve Gilbert. Her legacy will be carried on in the hearts of her proud son and daughter in law, Christopher and Kristin Hamilton, and cherished granddaughters Gianna (Gigi), Lola, and Mila Hamilton.



Rona was a beloved teacher at Barry Elementary in West Philadelphia for the entirety of her career. Teaching was her calling. She took immense pride in her work, and was the type of teacher that invested her most precious resources into her students, her time and her belief in them. Her dedication to education carried over into retirement, where she became a student teaching mentor at Penn offering her guidance, support, and friendship to those entering the profession she was so passionate about. She was a teacher until the end. Offering up her final lesson, on the strength of the human spirit.



As a proud second generation Temple University Alumni, she was thrilled when her son Christopher received a baseball scholarship to her Alma Mater. You could always find Rona on the sidelines with Gil and her parents, cheering on her favorite pitcher, while being equally as competitive as every athlete. She wanted to see her people win, on and off the field. So much of her joy was rooted in the celebration of those she loved, especially her three beautiful granddaughters. There was no accomplishment or milestone too small. From their first tooth to kindergarten graduations, she was front and center, cheering on her girls and bragging to anyone within an earshot.



Countless summers were spent on the beach and front porch of Aunt Mitzi and late Uncle Larry's beach house in Ventnor City, New Jersey. In recent years, she was delighted to sit alongside Aunt Mitzi, brother Lloyd (Lizanne) and cousins Penny and Ricki (Bob), and witness new memories being made by her granddaughters. It was the simplicity of those long summer days, filled with sand-covered ice cream cones and salty kisses, on the same beach she watched her son and nephew Lee grow up, that brought Rona the most joy.



There are so many aspects of Rona that will be missed by those who are left behind. The sweet way she would hold your face in her hand, squeezing your cheeks and forcing your lips into a


pout when she went in for a kiss, followed by her signature "Love you, Bae!" Bae being her term of endearment for those she loved, decades before it was trending. A lover of fashion, she was always beautifully put-together and thoroughly enjoyed scoring a good deal on one of her "shopping bananza's". Rona would never have described herself as extravagant, but she was abundant. She was a collector of memories, and loved nothing more than having a glass of wine and reminiscing on the moments she had collected with her people throughout the years. From vacations and adventures with her best friend Harry, to the most recent matinee (or the adventure on public transportation to get to said matinee) with Susan, Iris, Rick and LeeRobin; Rona was always generous with her wildly entertaining recountings.



She was indulgent in all of the best ways. No dog was ever hungry in her presence, and no child went un-spoiled. She was a giver, and a gift. She was present with you, giving you her full attention. A phenomenal listener, always referring to your last conversation no matter how much time had passed. When you met Rona, you met all of her. She was self aware, fiercely independent, inquisitive and brilliant. She made you feel seen, heard, and loved. She made sure you knew that you mattered. She will be deeply missed by many and lovingly remembered by all. May she rest in the peace of knowing that she offered everything that she is to the people she loved. Until we meet again, Bae. We love you so much.