Lynn Adele Hamilton, 79, of Burlington, WA, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2025, at home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on June 2, 1946, in Sedro-Woolley, WA, to Emanuel "Smitty" and Nora (McGee) Schmidt. When she was one year old, the family moved to Riverton, WY, where her father grew up. She lived in Wyoming until she was about 10 years old. They moved back to Sedro-Woolley where she started school in 5th Grade at Samish Elementary. She graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School in 1964. After graduation, Lynn enrolled and attended the Mount Vernon Business College for one year before getting married.

Lynn married Richard "Rick" Hamilton on May 8, 1965, in Sedro Woolley, WA. They made their home in Burlington where they raised their two children, Janice and Neil.

She was a homemaker for many years until she decided to work outside of the home cleaning houses and local businesses, including the Burlington Post Office. She also worked part-time masking cars for her dad at Smitty's Auto Body Shop. She then went on to work for the WSLCB (Washington State Liquor Control Board) from 1982-2011. She primarily worked at the Burlington Liquor Store for 20 years. In 2001, she became the Assistant Manager. The last 10 years of her career, she worked for the Sedro-Woolley Liquor Store. One of her favorite stories that she would like to tell was when a guy was going from liquor store to liquor store from Whatcom County down to Snohomish County writing fraudulent checks for high-end liquor. She was the only clerk to refuse his check and saved the Sedro-Woolley Liquor Store from receiving his fraudulent checks and the loss of liquor.

She had many hobbies and interests throughout her life. Lynn got her first horse and began riding when she was around the age of 5 years old in Wyoming. She continued to ride throughout high school until she married. She enjoyed riding motorcycles and off-road dirt bikes with Rick and friends. Some of her favorite pastimes were the annual family trips to British Columbia, Canada, to fish for rainbow trout; special trips to Reno and Las Vegas; target shooting with Rick in Skagit County; meeting up with friends at the local casinos for a little gambling and dining; and thrift store shopping & lunches with her mom, sister and daughter.

Lynn's creative outlet was decorating her home inside and out. She loved to decorate the yard with yard ornaments and cute little decor. She had a green thumb when it came to caring for her plants & flowers including a curly ivy that she had received from her in-laws over 50 years ago. Her favorite outdoor flowers were roses, rhododendrons, and peonies. Each season, you could find her out in her garden growing cucumbers, corn, and beans. She would never admit it, but she was very artistic when it came to drawing horses.

Some of Lynn's favorite memories were the family get-togethers during the holidays and annual salmon barbecues at The Hamilton's (in-laws). She loved sports cars! Lynn and Rick owned a '67 Firebird (aka: the family station wagon) from 1967-2002. When they decided to sell the Firebird, she would tell you that it was difficult. She also owned an 88 Dodge Daytona that soon became her second favorite car.

Lynn is survived by her sister, Lore Schmidt; her daughter, Janice (Mike) Sestrap; son, Neil (Racquel) Hamilton; grandchildren, Nicholas Wittrock, TJ Gill, Ricky Gill, Makayla Hamilton, Gavin Hamilton, Kaya Bunney, and Connor Bunney.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard "Rick" Hamilton; her parents, Emanuel "Smitty" and Nora Schmidt; in-laws, Allen and Ruby Hamilton; her favorite dogs, Shawnee, Misty, and Nick along with Janice's cat, Smoker.

Lynn/Mom/Grandma, you were one-of-a-kind. You were small in stature, but big in strength. You taught us how to not back down when faced with adversity. When asked what was your pet peeve, you would say "liars and thieves." You instilled in us positive values, morals, and ethics – for that alone, we thank

you. You were a loving & caring friend to those who knew you best. Most of all, you will always be remembered for the little spitfire and firecracker that you were! You will be loved and missed very much by all that knew you.

We would like to thank the staff at Hospice of the Northwest and her assigned nurse, Tim, RN, for taking such great care of her over the past few months. Special thanks to Dr. Kojouri and staff at the Skagit Regional Health Cancer Care Center in Mount Vernon, WA, for giving her 10+ years more to spend with family & friends.

Per Lynn's wishes, there will be no service.

Arrangements are under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley, WA. Share your memories of Lynn and sign the online guest register.