Barbara Hamilton died peacefully at her home, with family by her side, on October 30, 2015 from complications of cancer.  She was 74.

One might not guess from Barbara’s unassuming character about her many accomplishments. Her journey began September 13, 1941, as the eldest of three children born to Wilma and George Hackett of Apple Creek, Ohio.  Though she left the family’s dairy farm after high school to attend college, she would forever remain a farm girl at heart.  After graduating from Baldwin Wallace College in 1963, with a B.S. in mathematics and education, she accepted a teaching position with the Los Angeles Unified School District, and moved west.  She married her college sweetheart, Charles (Chuck) Madison Hamilton Jr., in 1964 and they settled in Van Nuys, CA, where they raised two children –  Lisa Renee and Robert (Robbie) Edward.

During a 20-year teaching career, Barbara earned a Master of Arts degree in Mathematics from the University of Southern California (1974) and taught math at Patrick Henry Jr. High (1964-1982).  She retired from teaching to further her education, receiving a Certification in Electrical Engineering from California State University, Northridge (1983) and embarking on a second 20-year career programming flight software for California Microwave, and later Sierra Nevada Corp.  This would occasionally require her to accompany the crew in flight as the software was tested and tweaked.

Barbara’s third career was as full time volunteer at the Reseda United Methodist Church as secretary and treasurer.  During this time she had a penchant for sharing her resources with any number of people and families who needed help with housing, tutoring, befriending, feeding and caregiving.  She personified generosity in her quiet and intuitive way.

Barbara is survived by her daughter Lisa Hamilton (Brian Hoshide) of Simi Valley, California;  two brothers, Robert Dean Hackett (Nancy) of Colorado and George Richard Hackett (Diane) of Ohio; and two brothers-in-law, Bud Smith (Carla) of California and Jay Hamilton (Judy) of Ohio.  Barbara was unfortunately pre-deceased by her son, Robbie (1989) and husband, Chuck (2002).

Contributions in Barb’s memory and honor may be made to the Barbara Hamilton Memorial Fund at Reseda First United Methodist Church, 18120 Saticoy Street, Reseda, CA 91335.  Memorial services will be held at the Reseda First United Methodist Church on Sat. Nov. 7, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. Condolences can be made on http://barbara-hamilton.forevermissed.com.