Joan Hamilton, 88, of Havre de Grace, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025. She was born in Baltimore in 1937 to the late Robert and Dorothy Elsner. Joan was the beloved wife of the late Winfield Marshall (Marty) Hamilton, mother to two daughters, Deborah (Lynne) and Kimberly, grandmother to Meaghan Isaacs, and great grandmother to Hailey and Leah.

Joan met Marty at Hamilton Park when they were just teenagers. They married at 19 and both worked hard to support their family.

Joan graduated from Aberdeen Senior High School in 1955 and graduated from Baltimore Business College in 1956 where she completed secretarial courses. Between 1957 and 1965, she and her sister-in-law, Carolyn Hamilton, were Assistant Managers of Hamilton Park. In the summers there, Joan managed memberships, booked events, and kept records while watching over her young daughters.

In 1968, with her youngest in school, Joan began working at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Her career progressed steadily and she eventually became the secretary for the Commander of the Army's Test and Evaluation Command (TECOM). She was repeatedly recognized for her hard work and professionalism, receiving many outstanding awards. In 1981 she was named the U.S.Army's TECOM Headquarters Secretary of the Year. She truly loved her work and one of her greatest joys was the many working relationships that matured into terrific lifelong friendships.

Joan had several passions including gardening, decorating, shopping yard sales, and bowling. She also loved fashion and never left the house without a fresh coat of lipstick.

In their retirement, Joan and Marty enjoyed traveling around the world, going on cruises, and visiting their honeymoon city- The Big Apple-for the latest Broadway show. During the week, their love for shows led to the local movie theater multiple times, sometimes to see the same movie again.

Joan and Marty's love ran strong and deep. Joan left this earth just twelve days after his passing. Services will be private.