Barbara Antoinette Hamill of Glocester, Rhode Island peacefully joined our Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ, in eternal life on Saturday, April 17th, 2021, at the age of 86, following a brief illness. Barbara was born in Winchester, Virginia to her late parents Chester and Barbara Hobert. She was the eldest and beloved sister to her three younger brothers, Chester Jr., Michael, and the late Peter. After marrying her husband, William J. Hamill Jr., she moved to
Rhode Island where she would spend the rest of her life.
Barbara was married to her husband, the late William J. Hamill Jr. for 52 years. She is survived by her children William J. Hamill III and his wife Avis, Ann Marie Hamill, and Patricia Johnson all of Glocester, RI as well as Barbara, “Cis”, Royer and her husband Rob, of Smithfield, RI and Carol Trovato and her husband John, of Key West, FL. She is joined in her heavenly home by her late son, John Hamill. In addition to her children, she leaves behind her eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved deeply.
Barbara was devoted to living a life of love, generosity, and sharing the saving grace of Jesus.
Over the course of eight years, Barbara and her late husband fostered seventeen newborn children awaiting adoption, as well as a few teenagers. One of which, Jennifer Warner, was raised as one of her own children. It was fostering that spurred her decision to further her education. In 1995, at the age of 61, Barbara received her associate’s degree in social work from Community College of RI.
She owned and operated Chester’s Restaurant, her father’s namesake, for 23 years alongside her children.
A devout Catholic, Barbara’s faith was woven into every aspect of her life. In addition to
teaching her own children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren the Word of God, she taught both CCD and Special Religious Education (SPRED) for over thirty years collectively at St. Paul’s Church in Foster, RI, St. Eugene’s in Chepachet, RI, and St. Philip’s in Greenville, RI.
In her retirement community , The Village at Waterman Lake, she coordinated an conducted rosary groups and bible studies until her final days. She possessed a tremendous faith and love of God that helped her triumph throughout life’s trials and tribulations. She was one of the most selfless, loving people in many a lives. Her last week was surrounded by her cherished family and was filled with love, laughter, memories, and poignant farewells. Though we are devastated by the loss of an incredible matriarch, we are certain that her love, generosity, wisdom and strength will live on in our hearts and spirits forever.
In her final days, Barbara decided that her symbol of remembrance would be a heart. If you see one, please know that Barbara is thinking of you from her home above the clouds.
Due to health and safety concerns, visitation will be respectfully omitted. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, April 26th at 11am in Saint Philip’s Church, 622 Putnam Pike, Greenville, RI. Due to Covid 19 restrictions there will be limited seating. Social distancing and face masks are required while in church. Burial will be private.
To view a stream of the mass please use: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/31245202
The video will be available in full after the mass has finished.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice, 1085 North Main St, Providence, RI 02904
Hope Health