Martha Hamilton

Martha Oliver KomLosy Hamilton, 91

CHEBEAGUE ISLAND - Martha Oliver KomLosy Hamilton, 91, of Chebeague Island, died unexpectedly on December 19, at Mercy Hospital with her family by her side.

Martha was born February 27, 1923 in Waycross, Georgia, a daughter of Frederick and Andromache Bailey KomLosy. Although she was raised in Malden, Massachusetts and attended schools there, her heart was always on Chebeague Island, her summer home. Her father moved the family to Chebeague year-round and Martha graduated from Chebeague Island High School in 1942 in a class of 9. She married Floyd Hamilton, a fellow islander, after he returned from World War II. Their son, Michael was born in 1950. Floyd died in 1993.

Martha Hamilton spent her adult life serving the community of Chebeague Island in a myriad of ways and using her many talents. During World War II she took her turn looking for enemy aircraft from the island's observation tower. She was the island's notary for more than seven decades, and at one time or another operated a store, was a substitute teacher, worked in the Post Office, and the Golf Club. But Martha will long be remembered as the founder and librarian at the Chebeague Island Library from 1965-2000. It was her vision that inspired the community to undertake a $250,000 campaign to build a new library in 1990. Chebeague Islanders had never tried to raise that kind of money before, but they got behind Martha and exceeded the goal by nearly $90,000! For many years she wrote a library column for the Yarmouth Shopping notes.
Martha was a founding member of Chebeague's PTA, the Island Council, and the Grange. Throughout the years she held many offices in the Methodist Church, attended Ladies Aid, and directed the choir. She was still an active choir member at the time of her death. Music was important to Martha. She was the only original member of the Whalers; an island singing group founded more than 20 years ago and participated in their most recent concert in early December. She loved being on stage and putting on a show.

Martha immersed herself in the history of Chebeague and was responsible for collecting what became the core of the Chebeague Island Historical Society's collection. She understood the island's intertwining family tree and collected genealogical materials including the manuscripts of Katherine Tinker. Martha served on the Historical Society Board and curated several exhibits. She was an active member of DAR.

She loved children and volunteered at the school in many capacities including the Art Goes to School Program. The week before her death she was singled out as a special volunteer at the Chebeague School's winter concert. Martha was a Girl Scout leader and endeared herself to island girls for decades. Many of her former scouts attended her 90th birthday party to celebrate with this woman who had impacted their lives.

Her father was a commercial artist and Martha inherited his artistic ability. Martha could paint, draw, wood burn, scherenschnitte (intricate paper cutting), and design counted cross-stitch. Known for her fine calligraphy, she made family trees, maps, painted signs, and made posters. For decades she designed the covers of the Island's Monthly Calendar. When Chebeague became a Town in 2007, Martha Hamilton's design was chosen out of 30 entries to become the Town seal.

Martha was a life-long learner and extremely well read. She was computer savvy, attended Elder Hostels, and had travelled to Japan, the British Isles, and other European countries.

Martha Hamilton was profiled in the Working Waterfront when she turned 90. Being part of the Chebeague Community was very important to Martha, and Martha Hamilton was important to Chebeague.

Martha Hamilton is survived by her son, Michael, and his wife Denise, and grandson, Lucas, all of Cousins Island. Her brother, James, of Florida; nieces Stacey Stewart, Jami KomLosy, Fiona KomLosy; nephews Jonathan KomLosy of Chebeague and Frederick KomLosy III of Florida; and grandnephews, Ozric Stewart and Seamus Cole. Her husband, parents, sisters, Virginia Rose KomLosy and Andromache KomLosy Thurlow, and brother, Frederick KomLosy II, predeceased her.

A gathering and visitation will take place on Saturday January 3, 2015 from 1-3 PM and in accordance with Martha's wishes; her funeral will take place on Chebeague this coming summer. Please visit www.funeralhome.com to view a video collage of Martha's life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with her family.

Contributions can be made to the Chebeague Island Hall, 247 South Road, Unit 1, Chebeague Island, ME 04017.

Click here to see a video of her 90th Birthday Party on February 27th 2013.

Click here to see an article in the Working Waterfront "Chebeague's Reaissance' woman turns 90" written by Donna Damon about her.

Botonical Garden 2014 (photo by Cathy MacNeill)