Constance Hamilton

Hamilton,  Constance “Tonny” Adair

December 20, 1917 - September 15, 2020

It is with much sadness, but with grateful happy memories that we bid farewell to Tonny, someone who spread warmth, caring, affection and love wherever she went.

Born in Montreal West, she was the youngest of three daughters of Henry and Coralie Adair Jackson. Henry was a respected commercial artist and the brother of A.Y. Jackson of the Group of Seven. Tonny and her sisters, the late Naomi (Groves) and the late Geneva (Baird) were all accomplished artists. Upon leaving school, Tonny worked for a time as a window dresser at Birks in Montreal, and during WWII in the drafting office of Dominion Engineering. In 1942, she married Robert Hamilton and after a brief period in Baltimore, USA, they moved to Ottawa. In 1951, they built a house in Manotick, which at that time was just a small village. There, they brought up their children, the late Heather (Fogo), Jane (Ellingson) and Alexander.

Tonny was a strong supporter of St. James Anglican Church and was president of the Altar Guild for many years. At the age of 92, she was still driving Meals on Wheels in the community. She was a devoted nature lover and particularly fond of birds. She and her husband developed what had been a simple two-acre pasture into a beautiful wooded garden. Sadly, Robert, who worked at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa, died when he was only 63. He was an authority on trees and had become an editor for the Department of Agriculture. Trees that he planted near their house are today among the tallest trees in the village.

Tonny was joined for 14 years by a widowed friend Francis “Ebbie” Lavoie, who died in 1990. Tonny soldiered on, with her son Alex to help and comfort her. In 1993, an old friend, Lionel Strange (1920-2015), who had been recently widowed, asked her out to celebrate his birthday. A happy union developed, which brought them and their respective families much happiness for over twenty years.

Tonny is survived by her children Jane and Alexander, her grandchildren Adam, Amy, Chloë and John-Allan, and her great-grandchildren Cael and Fern.

Manotick has lost one of its oldest and most loved inhabitants.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.

Tributes, condolences or donations may be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com.