Susan Silk Hamilton
1943 – 2021
Susan Silk Hamilton, 78, died on May 7, 2021 from heart failure at Integris Hospice House in Oklahoma City, surrounded by her five children and sister.
Born on April 6, 1943 in New Brighton, PA to Bradford J. Silk, Sr. and Mavis R. Silk, Susan spent much of her early life in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. She grew up with her brother Bradford J. Silk, Jr (Peggy) of Leetsdale, PA, sister Bonnie Ufert of Pittsburgh, and brother Douglas Silk of Ben Avon, PA. Susan graduated from Bellevue High School in 1960 where she was a cheerleader, sang choir, played saxophone and excelled in academics. She loved music and dated boys who were great dancers or drove nice cars. She met her future husband, John Joseph Hamilton, Jr., while in high school. Susan attended Shippensburg University where she studied Business and the University of Pittsburgh where she studied English. She was also part of a couples figure skating duo.
Through her lifetime, Susan’s highest priority was her family. Although separated by distance, her adult children remain very close and continue to vacation together.
Due to her husband’s career in retail, Susan relocated her family many times. She lived in Rockville, MD (1968-71); King of Prussia, PA (1971-72); Centreville, VA (1972-74); Bethel Park, PA (1974-77); Rochester Hills, MI (1977-81); Warren, PA (1981-83); Mountain Top, PA (1983-85); West View, PA (1985-86); Plano, TX (1986-87); Edmond, OK (1987-2003); Simi Valley, CA (2003-10). She returned to Norman in 2010 and spent Saturdays cheering for the Sooners.
In 1987, Susan went back to work as the administrative assistant to the dean of the College of Mathematics and Science at the University of Central Oklahoma until 2002. She was an executive assistant at Countrywide Mortgage/Bank of America from 2002-2010. She most recently worked as a teaching assistant and testing coordinator for Norman High School. She retired in 2020.
Susan loved to travel, visiting England, Austria, Argentina, and traversing the U.S. She also enjoyed reading, writing, photography, swimming, playing piano, and, most of all, listening to music. Susan had over 27,000 songs in her library and passed on deep love of music, corny love songs and ballads to her children.
There are not enough words to describe the fascinating woman Susan was – feisty, fierce, strong-willed, adventurous, loving, funny, sweet, protective. She had gumption and was a mama bear.
Susan’s family will always keep her close and carry her with them in their hearts and minds. Her joie de vivre will live on through her children and grandchildren.
Susan is survived by her five children Diane (Todd) Van Etten, of Carolina Beach NC; Julie (Paul) Edwards, of Broadlands, VA; Jennifer Hamilton (Ben Purcell) of Marina del Rey, CA; Nancy (Brian) Springer of Ventura, CA; and JJ Hamilton of Norman, OK; her eight grandchildren TJ, Susan, Michael, Drew, Elise, Eileen, Serena and Oliver; and many nieces and nephews. Susan was a second mother to Mindy Morris of Yukon, OK, and Esteban Mendez of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Her two beloved boxers, Josie and Ellie, will miss her terribly. With her outgoing nature and effervescent personality, Susan easily made friends who are scattered across the country and remained dear to her.
Susan’s family wishes to thank the nursing staff of 801 ICU at Baptist Integris for their wonderful care and Dr. Sparling and his staff for their care over the years. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations for aneurysm research to the American Heart Association. A private celebration of life will be held at one of Susan’s favorite places, North Carolina’s Outer Banks, next year and a tree will be planted in her honor in Tuscany, Italy.