Anne Hamilton Deger, aged 63, passed away on March 4th after an arduous battle with cancer. She had been regaining her strength after some complications from treatment and was visited by her husband and daughter up until the day she died. Anne was resilient and enjoyed spending time with friends and loved ones in the weeks leading up to her death.

Anne Hamilton was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts to a family of scholars and journalists. After graduating from Summit High School in 1979, she went on to pursue a degree in Media and Journalism from the University of Maryland. She joined her family in producing the Emmy-Award winning PBS public affairs program, Watch On Washington. Anne met her future husband, Gary Deger, at Dewey Beach, DE. In 1995, they married in McLean, VA where they set off to China before returning to raise two beautiful children. The family continued to visit faraway countries while at the same time building strong connections to the community. Anne continued to pursue her love of writing and journalism with the New Dominion Women’s Club as their media chair helping with public relations and fundraising. In her later years, she found a passion for philanthropy; spending time volunteering with Share Food Pantry in McLean and St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Anne is survived by her loyal husband, Gary Deger; loving children Heidi (26) and Grant (19), and her brother Jay Hamilton and his wife Bonnie. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Nancy Hamilton, and her father-in-law William Deger. She will be missed by her mother-in-law Lillian Deger and her in-laws: Diane Pelosi (husband Stan), Raymond Deger (wife Beth), and Cliff Deger (wife Bonnie), and by many nieces and nephews: Jack Hamilton (son Jordan), Laine Viau (husband Evan), William Howard, Max, Alex, Greg, and Jordan Deger. Throughout her long illness, Anne had an incredibly strong support system of family and friends; lifting her spirits during these trying times. Her husband, Gary, showed his enduring love of Anne by being at her side every day, making sure she was cared for properly. Anne’s faith, family and friends were her pillars of strength. Her absence will be felt by many, but we will take faith in that she has now found peace.

Family and friends are welcome to gather and celebrate Anne’s life at 3:00 to 6:00 PM at Advent Funeral Home on Friday, March 21st. There will be a service of remembrance on Saturday, March 22nd at 11AM at St. John’s Episcopal Church, followed by a reception at the Old Brogue. Anne will be laid to rest with her parents at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Richmond at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John’s Church at https://bit.ly/sj-annedeger

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Anne Deger