Our beloved Karen Ann Hamilton was born in Houston, Texas on April 8,1969 and left this earth in the presence of family November 1, 2023.

She is preceded in death by her father, John Szczesny.

Karen is survived by her loving husband, Richard Hamilton; her daughters, Amanda Hamilton and Katherine Hamilton; mother, Mary Szczesny; brothers, Michael Szczesny and Donald Szczesny and wife Vikki; nephew, Jared Szczesny and wife Julianne; and niece, Jenna Ferrell and husband Zach.

Karen was a loving Wife and Mother who taught us all about Love, Patience, Strength, Compassion, and Courage.  What she taught us all will forever be in our hearts. We shall be comforted by the fact that she will be watching over us from above. The Love we share shall be the bond that holds us together until we can be together again.

She left behind her loving family at Walker Elementary where she spent many happy years working as a paraprofessional in classrooms and a Library Aide. She loved the staff and the students. She became lifelong friends with many of the staff.  She would often see students outside of school while running errands. Karen always took time out to talk to them and tell them she'd see them at school.  It wasn't uncommon to run into students that had long since graduated and began to live their own lives.  She remembered them all and was happy to see them.  They always got a hug and she told them how proud she was of them.

She also left behind her family from the Houston Wing of the Commemorative Air Force.  She loved working the PX with her husband and daughters. She was also a member of the Colonel's Ladies where she made her first friends within the organization.  Along with participating in various events, she was able to fly in the Wing's North American AT-6 and Lockheed C-60 Lodestar. Now she has her own wings and in our hearts she'll be flying with us always.

Karen loved us all unconditionally. It was this love that made her special to all of us. The love she had made her quick to forgive and was always patient with us all. She showed compassion for all and would often put the needs of others above her own.

Karen's strength and courage had no limits as did her love. She never backed down in her fight with Breast Cancer and would defeat it.  She loved being with her Walker family and came to work during her chemotherapy.

She valiantly fought a second time when she was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. In the end she chose to come home and spend her remaining time with her loved ones.

She will forever live in all of our  hearts.