Elizabeth Cole Hamill

Elizabeth Cole Hamill, 80, died Friday, September 16, 2011 at her home of 50 years in Mansfield Center. She was the beloved wife of the late Hugh M. Hamill, to whom she was married for 53 years. Betsy is survived by her daughters and sons in law, Sarah and Daniel Leavell of Granville, OH and Margaret and James Sheehan of Meriden, NH; and a son and daughter in law, Matthew Hamill and Stacey Arnesen of Rockville, MD. She was predeceased by her son, Samuel Hamill. There are nine grandchildren, Katharine Leavell Hoben and her husband Jimmy, Maria and Rebecca Leavell, Benjamin, Elizabeth, Emily and William Sheehan, and Christopher and Andrew Hamill. Betsy is also survived by her sister, Katharine Cole Esty of Concord, MA. Betsy was born in New York City on September 15, 1931. She grew up in Englewood, N.J. and Amherst, MA and attended Smith and Radcliffe Colleges. An avid reader and lover of books, she joined the Friends of the Mansfield Library in 1976 and became its President in 1981. She continued in this role until her death. She was a recipient of the State of Connecticut Library Volunteer of the Year award, and an active member of several books groups. Betsy volunteered for more than 30 years at the Covenant Soup Kitchen in Willimantic. She was a member of and attended the First Church of Christ in Mansfield Center. Her other activities include the Joshua's Trust and the Mansfield Historical Society. She was a founding member of the Mansfield Community Council and managed its summer campership fund for many years. She was a gifted gardener and had many devoted friends throughout her lifetime. A gathering in her honor is being planned for November. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Covenant Soup Kitchen, 220 Valley Street, Willimantic CT 06226. The Potter Funeral Home, Willimantic, assisted with arrangements. Please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com for online memorial guest book.