Judith "Judy" Hamilton

Judith “Judy” Hamilton, 91, of Erie, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2026, at Manchester Commons. 

Born in Erie on April 13, 1935, she was the cherished daughter of the late Maxton and Margaret (Martin) Darone.

From a young age, Judy’s talent for music was evident. She sang beautifully in the Strong Vincent High School Choir and went on to graduate as the Valedictorian of her senior class. Her passion for music led her to pursue an undergraduate degree in music education at the College of Wooster. Music, faith and family were the central pillars of Judy’s life and the primary source of her deep community ties. A gifted soprano, she lent her voice to the choir at Wayside Presbyterian Church, where she also faithfully served as a deacon for several years. Her love for choral music extended to the Symphonic Singers and the Chautauqua Choir in New York. Her absolute favorite composer was J.S. Bach—a love she proudly passed down to her daughter, who followed in her footsteps as a college music major.

Judy was a devoted mother to her five children, always offering support and encouragement. When her youngest "flew the coop," she channeled her love for children into working with infants at the YMCA Glenwood Daycare, filling her empty nest with joy. Her home was always alive with music, especially during her favorite season, Christmas. Every Christmas Eve, the house would fill with loved ones singing their hearts out while Judy played carols on the piano. Even if you didn’t consider yourself a singer, you were assigned a day in the “Twelve Days of Christmas” with Juners always enthusiastically taking the role of “5 Golden Rings”. Judy loved Erie, embracing everything from its heavy winter snows to its gray days, but she found special peace taking walks and scenic drives along the beaches of Presque Isle. She was legendary to her family, especially her grandchildren, for making her famous Special K bars and signature cinnamon sugar toast.

In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by her longtime partner, June Sherk, and her two sisters, Margaret “Peggy” Gourley and Marilou Pehrson.

She is survived and dearly missed by her daughter, Amy Mitchell; her four sons, Michael Hamilton, Andrew Hamilton, Eric Hamilton, and Jeffrey Hamilton; and her beloved grandchildren, Quinn Hamilton, Christiana Hamilton, Jack Hamilton, Kiana Hamilton, and Savanna Hamilton, and her great grandson, Quinton Hamilton.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Private arrangements are entrusted to Burton Quinn-Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc.

To send condolences, please visit www.burtonquinnscott.com