Bernice M. Hamilton

Bernice M. Hamilton of Maybrook, NY formerly of Neversink, NY, a retired Librarian at SUNY New Paltz and a longtime area resident, died, Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at the Kaplan Family Hospice Residence, Newburgh, NY.  She was 96.

The daughter of the late Clarence and Catherine Steinhilbur Winchell, she was born July 28, 1927 in High Falls, NY.

Lifelong learning was a must for Bernice, having completed her Associates Degree later in life exemplifying how she always reached for the next great thing that awaited her.

Bernice also was proud to have travelled extensively with her husband Charles to all of the 50 states always stopping at as many historical sites as possible. As an avid collector of antiques and artwork, Bernice always "catalogued" valued items with a note indicating the artist, year of origin and a brief history.  This included artifacts and other items of interest across a wide variety of cultures. 

In addition, Bernice was an excellent cook making the best lasagna and carrot cake and anything else in between. Many of her recipes could never be repeated, even if she wrote them down for others. 

Bernice had a phenomenal "green thumb" making her environment one of beauty inside the home and outside in the many gardens including a unique "rock garden" at her New Paltz residence where the family had their home from 1956 - 1981. 

In role as SUNY New Paltz Librarian, Bernice had the job of Acquisitions for over 25 years, avidly reading many reviews and making the decisions to buy or not to buy for the libraries many collections. This led to a large library at home and instilling the inquisitiveness of her family by continually sending them to the bookshelves to enrich their lives. 

Bernice also loved decorating and was able to transform their many retirement homes into having a museum quality atmosphere. Instilling this level of appreciation in her children and grandchildren.

Having lived a full life Bernice was shooting for 100 and she can rest assured we will be celebrating when that time arrives. 

Survivors include her daughters, Kathryn G. Hamilton of Walden, NY and Cynthia L. Hamilton of Maybrook, NY; her son, Charles “Lee” Hamilton of Ft. Bragg, CA; five grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband, Chales Hall Hamilton in August of 2016.

Funeral services will be private.  Burial will be in the Grahamsville Rural Cemetery, Grahamsville, NY.  In honor of Bernice’s memory, please make memorial contributions to Sojourner Truth Library, State University of New York New Paltz, 300 Hawk Drive, New Paltz, NY, 12561-2493.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, West St. at Buckley, Liberty, NY 845-292-0001 or 845-439-5200 www.Harris-FH.com