Beatrice “Bea” Hamilton
Died: May 29, 2025 | Place: London, Ontario
Services
Visitation
Sunday, June 1, 2025
2:00 – 5:00 pm
A. Millard George Funeral Home
60 Ridout Street South
London, Ontario
N6C 3X1
Memorial Service
Monday, June 2, 2025
2:00 pm
St. James Westminster Church
115 Askin Street
London, Ontario
N6C 1E7
Obituary
HAMILTON, Beatrice “Bea”
We are saddened to announce that Beatrice (Bea) Hamilton, with family and peacefully at her beloved home, passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2025 in her 89th year.
Bea was the cherished wife of Gavin and the late John White.
Adored mother and step mother to:
Martha Marshall and her husband Doug
Emily White and her husband Rick von Dehn
Dr. Scot Hamilton and his wife Jennifer Cairns
Dr. Kirk Hamilton and his wife Pam
Beloved Auntie Bea to:
Erica Boone and her husband Charlie
And to countless other friends’ and neighbourhood children over many years
Wonderful grandmother to:
Hayley, Rachel, Sam (Josie), Sarah (Jake), Sydney (Ciaran), Matthew (Maizie), Jeff, Megan (Evan), and Amelia
Delighted great grandmother and great aunt to:
Hannah (Maitland), Claire (Phil), Frankie, Max, Seymour, Woody, and Haddie Beatrice
Predeceased by her sister Barbara Fisher and brother Charles Ivey
Bea was born in Port Dover, at the time, a small fishing village on Lake Erie. She was a very proud Port Doverite and loved spending time at her Lynnbank home as often as she could throughout her life.
Bea loved Ontario history, especially its indigenous peoples. As a young woman, she spent summers on archaeological digs with Wilfrid Jury and later she was a dedicated volunteer involved in the development of London’s Museum of Ontario Archaeology and its museum shop.
Bea married John White and they started their family in London, Ontario. John represented the riding of London South in the provincial legislature for many years. Bea was a wonderful wife and mother, adept political partner for John, gracious hostess to many family, friends and colleagues, and general master of all things in their busy life of work and home.
Bea had many interests and talents, especially in the arts, literature, theatre, and music. She was a creator – writing and illustrating stories for her grandchildren, painting watercolours, reciting poetry and long Shakespearean passages from memory, and learning to adapt her piano playing to learn new pieces by ear as her sight began to fail.
After John passed away, Bea was lucky to meet and marry Dr. Gavin Hamilton. Given their season in life, they hoped to have 10 years together, but they were each other’s driving force and shared 27 blissful years. Bea and Gavin built a wonderful life full of family, adventures, canoeing, biking, and travel. Both families were enriched by their union.
For all who knew Bea, we will remember her grace and humility, her genuine warmth and kindness, her wit and keen intellect, her strength and courage, and her ability to always find the positives in people and situations. If you are thinking of Bea, Gavin suggests planting a tree in her memory.
Family and friends are welcomed for visitation on Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 2:00 – 5:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. A memorial service will take place on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 2:00 pm at St. James Westminster Church, 115 Askin Street, London. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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Ted and Carol Aziz - Boys' and Girls' Club of London
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A beautiful smile, always gracious, and very special. She will be missed.
Dear Dr. Hamilton, I was sorry to read of your stepmom’s passing.
My condolences to you and your family,
Patty Bogdanski
What a beautiful lady in every possible respect. Harriet and I have had a special relationship with Bea spanning over 60 years; and her role model as a political wife was inspiring. We shared so many interests, be it archeological, musical, neighbour, visitation even after we left London 35 years ago. We will miss her dearly. Harriet and Gordon Walker (Toronto).
Dear Gavin, Martha, and Emily,
My heartfelt condolences to you all. Bea talked lovingly of her family. Bea and Gavin had a wide circle of friends and were dear pals of my late parents Charles and Carman Carmichael. I also had the honour of being their friend. The Hamiltons were most kind in inviting me annually to Amici dinners – Gavin often driving us in his sportscar. Lots of laughs and fun! At home Bea entertained with elegance – I remember a lovely lunch with dessert that included homemade chocolate chip meringues on china she had bought in Paris.
My friendship with Bea goes back to the early 1990s as volunteers at the Museum of Ontario Archaeology and Fanshawe Pioneer Village. We both have an Imogen in our family and my daughter Imogen shared Bea’s experience of Camp Wapomeo albeit more than a half-century later! Bea was the epitome of grace and thoughtfulness. She would call me at work at Museum London every few months to find out how I was and catch up on my news and when my grandson was born, she delighted him with a book that she written and illustrated. And I have kept her small, sweet watercolour Christmas cards that she painted.
A wonderful woman and mentor who will be greatly missed. We are all the better for knowing Bea.
Warmest regards,
Cydna Mercer
Dear Gavin, Martha and Emily – we are so heartbroken to hear of Bea’s passing. She was such a major influence in our lives. When Bea and John moved in next door in the early 1960’s, we had no idea just how intertwined our lives would become. The path between our houses was well worn, mostly because Bea was such a wonderful, welcoming neighbour. Who else would invite us to come swimming at the farm. Who else would let me drive her lovely little Camaro (Bert) when I’d just received my drivers license, and who else would allow me to just walk into her house unannounced, so very often. She loved baking, and always popped over to share what she’d made. We’d often go out into the vacant field next door to pick tiny wild strawberries for her, only to later be treated to something wonderful she’d made with them.
Bea always found joy in everything, and often made us laugh. For many years we shared a pussycat named Richard. He belonged to Bea, but he visited us daily for treats. Every evening just before supper she’d call our house and ask if we could send Richard home. It was his mealtime. We’d open our back door and he’d head straight home. We continued to laugh about it for years afterwards.
Gavin – you were truly blessed to have shared so many years with Bea. You will miss her terribly! Martha and Emily – how lucky you were to have such a special mom. You were the most blessed of all!
“Aunty Bea” as I always called her and John White were my parents best friends as I grew up as I child. Almost Every New Year’s Eve without fail the Rudds would trek to the whites to celebrate with them. My parents (Bill and Ann) would be so excited every year for the big event . I have very found memories of going to Port Dover to visit aunty Bea for summer days when I was a kid. Playing with Emily and Martha around their property. Bea was a very special person. Kind. Generous And a great artist ! Our cottage in grand bend has her artwork on beautiful fold up tables I will always cherish. My thoughts and prayers to the family at this time .
For those unable to attend the Church service audio will be available on the Church Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16dRvdn3u9/?mibextid=wwXIfr
I’m sorry to hear of your Mother passing.
My condolences to you and your family.