Susan Hamilton

Susan Hamilton, 78, of Palmer, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully in her home on June 13, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on January 24, 1947, in Ware, Massachusetts, and was predeceased by her parents, Theodore Grzywacz and Julia A. (Dubay) Laviolette. Susan spent her early years in Hardwick, MA, and Wilmington, NC, before returning to Palmer in 1979—a place she would forever call home. Sue worked at Nick’s Sport Shop alongside her mother and stepfather, Nick Laviolette. It was there she met Richard Hamilton, the love of her life. They married in 1983 and shared 42 wonderful years together. As co-owners of Nick’s Sport Shop, they not only ran a business but also forged lifelong connections with their customers and neighbors. Sue was a dedicated member of the Nenameseck Sportsmen's Club for 40 years, where she proudly served as an officer for many of those years. She and her husband shared a love for competitive shooting and devoted countless hours volunteering and supporting the club’s events and activities. Sue was a devoted Boston Red Sox and Celtics fan—rarely missing a game—and an avid reader who always had a book nearby. But above all, her greatest joy came from her family. She was a devoted and loving grandmother and great-grandmother who took pride in being actively involved in their lives. Whether cheering from the sidelines at a game or applauding at a dance recital, Sue was a constant and proud presence, offering her unwavering support and love at every opportunity. She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Richard Hamilton; her children, Joanne Edgar and her partner Ross Mason of Ware, Kelly Joyce and her husband Robert of West Brookfield, and Nicole Bigos and her partner Eric Searson of Palmer; her sister, Frances Niegocki of Pennsylvania; her beloved grandchildren, Kristine (Edgar) Roth and her husband Nick, David Edgar, Chad Bigos, and Chelsea Bigos; and her adored great-grandchildren, Nora, Owen, and Evelyn Roth. Services will be held privately for Sue's family. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Sue's memory to either Dana Farber Caner Center by visiting dana-farber.org or to Brigham and Women's by visiting give.brighamandwomens.org.