Betsy (Swift) Hamilton

Betsy Hamilton (nee Swift), who died on Tuesday, December 17, was born in Lewiston, ME on November 21, 1937.
She is the daughter of the late Lawrence E. and Ruth H. (French) Swift. The family moved to Pittsfield in the 50's, and Betsy graduated from PHS in 1956. Continuing her education, she graduated from the University of Michigan 1960 with a Bachelors degree in nursing. As an RN, she began her career at BMC, working in the operating room. In the early 70's she left BMC to teach in the medical/surgical technician program at McCann High School. She returned to BMC in the late 70's working as the OR supervisor, responsible for staffing, scheduling and other administrative duties. Betsy finished her career at BMC leading the OR nursing and continuing education program.
She retired in 2005. From the many stories she told family of her experiences at the hospital, sometimes funny, sometimes tragic, sometimes offbeat, but often triumphant, it was clear that she loved her profession.
Off work, Mom was a busy mother of three kids. She made sure we stayed engaged in school and she never missed a parent/teacher conference night. For stress relief, Mom was a knitter, and always with a cat in her lap. She enjoyed making blankets for us kids and grandkids and never apologized for the cat hair included. After retirement, she was a regular at a once-a-week breakfast gathering at Paneras with friends and colleagues from work. She also met monthly for lunch with old high school girlfriends.
Mom was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Thomas L. Hamilton of Dalton, her sister, Susanne Bell of Pittsfield, three Brothers-in-law, a Nephew, and several friends and coworkers. She is survived by her three children, Daniel, Todd, and Lori, along with Todd's wife, Katie, and daughters, Loryn and Julia.
There will be no calling hours or formal services. A private memorial service will be held by family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested for either the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association, both in care of the Devanny-Condron Funeral Home of Pittsfield.