Nadia Leona Hamilton Obituary (1923 - 2014)

Nadia Leona (Lulka) Hamilton, age 91, a longtime Erie resident, passed to eternal life on Friday, December 12th, 2014. She was born in Sykesville, PA on August 30th, 1923, daughter of Michael and Annie Krenciglova Lulka. Nadia graduated from Sykesville High School in 1941, receiving her Bachelor of Science degree from The Pennsylvania State University in Home Economics in 1945 and had worked for the USDA as a food inspector in Wenatchee, WA during World War II. Later, she was employed by the West Penn Power Company as a home economist. Nadia married John W. Hamilton in June of 1948, and they celebrated over 60 years together. She taught home economics in Millcreek, Ft. LeBouef and Harborcreek School Districts, retiring in 1981 after over 22 years of teaching at Harborcreek. She was selected Outstanding Educator by Mercyhurst College in 1980. She earned her Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling from Gannon University in 1971. Nadia was also known as Mary Brooks, the home economist for Meadow Brook Dairy for over 10 years. She served the community on the Township Zoning Board for over 20 years, on the Erie County Employees Federal Credit Union Executive Board for over 30 years, the Board of the Harborcreek Historical Society, the Executive Board for Harborcreek Chapter of AARP and was active in the Pennsylvania State Association of School Retirees. Besides being active in local affairs, Nadia was one of the original organizers for the Ukrainian Community, keeping the cultural traditions alive in Erie area. She often performed traditional dancing, egg decorating and conducted educational cultural programs for schools and community groups, remaining active in the International Institute of the Erie area. Nadia was preceded in death by her husband, John Hamilton; her son, Cdr. Douglas M. Hamilton, USN and half-brothers and sister, Walter, Myron, Ambrose and Olga Kok. She is survived by her daughters, Col. Priscilla H. Hamilton, USA of San Antonio, TX; Heidi A. (Richard) Florczak of Los Angeles, CA; Kimberly A. Hamilton of Alexandria, VA; grandchildren, Cpt. Mark (Shauna) Hamilton, USN; Holly (Dr. Matt) Greenston and four great-grandchildren. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 5151 Buffalo Rd. (at Hannon Rd. in Harborcreek Twp.) on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited to attend the funeral service there on Thursday at 11 a.m. conducted by Rev. Susan Speakman of Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Private interment will be held at Lakeside Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the A.N.N.A. Shelter, 1555 East 10th St., Erie, PA 16511, or any No Kill Animal Shelter of your choice.