Obituary of Thelma Kyllikki Hamilton

DEDHAM--Thelma Kyllikki Kurki Hamilton, almost 93, passed away on July 1, 2017 at Brewer, Maine.

She was born July 3, 1924 in Dundas, Ontario to Elizabeth Osterdahl Kurki and Urho Andrew Kurki, just after they arrived by ship from Finland. She grew up in Monson, Maine and graduated Foxcroft Academy in 1942. She worked briefly at Yula's Store in Green Lake, where she met the love of her life, David Enos Hamilton. They married, had nine children and lived in Green Lake for most of their 74 year marriage.

Thelma enjoyed her perennial gardens and cooking and was active in the Dedham Community Club, the PTA and the Fire Department Auxiliary. Her favorite hobby was dancing, and at every opportunity she and her husband attended square, round and ballroom dances at the Stage Stop in Dedham and polkaed and foxtrotted at the Finn dances in Monson.

Thelma is survived by her children, David E. Hamilton, Jr., Linda E. Stevens and husband Michael, Stephen E. Hamilton, Janet M. Schneider, Peter A. Hamilton and partner Debra Snow, Liisa V. Hamilton and partner Malcolm McKay, Matthew E. Hamilton and partner Heidi Hall, and Christopher A. Hamilton; eleven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; a brother, Roger O. Kurki, of Westfield, Massachusetts; and a sister, Ethel K. Higgins, of Saco. She is predeceased by her husband and a son, Michael A. Hamilton.

Family and friends may visit 9 to 11 AM Saturday, July 8, 2017 at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 69 State St., Brewer where a service honoring Thelma's life will be held at 11 AM as the visitation concludes. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Bangor. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Finnish Farmers' Club c/o Donald P. Higgins, 3 William Avenue, Saco, ME 04072. Messages and memories may be shared with her family at kileyandfoley.com.