×

Hamilton’s story provides a positive influence

Kay Hamilton. (photo courtesy of Geisinger)

(Editor’s Note: This story was originally published in the April 26, 2023 edition of the The Sentinel)

REEDSVILLE — An individual’s purpose in life is often measured by his or her dedication to others. In some, the drive goes beyond personal limits, spreading not just to family and friends, but to community and country. Kay Hamilton personified dedication to service. Her passing on April 18 at the age of 81 left a tremendous void for those who knew her and for those she helped. The numbers are incalculable.

Hamilton was born in Baltimore in 1941. She graduated from Strong Vincent High School after her family moved to Erie. After high school, she served in the U.S. Air Force before marriage and a move to Oklahoma. Hamilton spent 40 years in the Sooner State. She raised her children, received a nursing degree, and worked as a registered nurse. Eventually, Hamilton earned a BA in English/Education and taught high school English before earning Master of Science Degrees in Nursing.

“The most important goal for me in any job that I do is to ‘do the right thing,'” Hamilton said in a 2020 Sentinel interview.

She did the right thing many times.

In 2001, Hamilton moved to Mifflin County after accepting a clinical educator position at Lewistown Hospital. From there, “doing the right thing” prompted her promotions to Vice President of Nursing Services, Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and President/CEO. During her tenure, Hamilton was founding director of the Lewistown Hospital School of Nursing. She retired in 2016.

“Our teams at Geisinger are very sorry to learn of the passing of Kay,” Chief Administrative Officer at Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital, Kirk Thomas, said. “Kay was an instrumental leader at Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital and she was formative and determined as she developed the Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital School of Nursing many years ago. Kay’s personable nature and hardworking spirit will live on in the lives of her family, close friends and many of us who knew her well here at Geisinger. We extend our sincere condolences to her family and grieve the loss of a very special woman.”

Perseverance was at the core of Hamilton’s vision and the School of Nursing became a reality with her guidance.

“Whenever I was working on a project like the School of Nursing and one door closed, I kept looking for another door to open until I found it,” Hamilton said in 2020. “I did that over and over until I crossed the threshold.”

Hamilton’s vision continues to grow. Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital’s School of Nursing will soon have a new home after the recent purchase of the former Bon-Ton building on East Market St. in Lewistown. The proposed occupancy after renovations is in April or May of 2024. The school building will house classrooms, a library, computer rooms and other educational facilities.

Hamilton’s dedication to community service is well-documented has had an impact on those she encountered.

“I had the privilege of working with Kay Hamilton throughout my entire career at the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce,” Executive Director Rhonda S. Kelley, said. “She was an amazing supporter of the Chamber and her community. She always interacted with myself and others with kindness and compassion. She touched many with her transparent telling of her life story. Her road was not always an easy one, but she used her trials and tribulations to become stronger, wiser, and most importantly to help others. She was a well-respected community leader who was fair yet firm. She fought hard for the causes she believed in, exemplified in the tenacity it took for her to go from a nurse’s aide, to founding director of the Lewistown Hospital School of Nursing, all the way to the CEO of Lewistown Hospital. If I had to sum up Kay’s life in just one word, it would be selfless.”

When asked in 2020 what she would like her legacy to be, Hamilton responded, “That I made a positive difference in the lives of the people I’ve encountered.”

A positive difference and then some.

Starting at $2.99/week.

Subscribe Today