Orangerene Hamilton

Mrs. Orangerene Hamilton, age 66, of Utica, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse. Born in Atlanta, Georgia on February 21, 1943, Orangerene is the daughter of Bessie Hamilton-Emanuel and the late John Hamilton. She was raised and educated in New York City and the Bronx, and for the last 10 years has resided in Utica. She furthered her education attending college for several years. At one time, she entered into marriage with Lewis Cross, who passed away in 2007. For the last 25 years, Orangerene was employed in the health care industry, most recently at the Masonic Home and Heritage Health Care Center. She was blessed with a caring and generous personality which allowed her to make enduring friendships with her patients. She will be remembered as a selfless woman with a good heart and a forgiving nature, who always put others first. She had a true spice for life and found joy in shopping and life’s daily accomplishments. As a mother, her priority was caring for her son and instilling in him the values of respect, kindness, community, and a great work ethic. Orangerene took pleasure in participating in the theater and plays to lift the spirits of the residents at the nursing home. She worshipped at the House of God Church. Orangerene is survived by her mother, Bessie; her son, Joseph, Jr. and Veronica Strickland-Rios of Utica with whom she resided, and his father, Joseph Rios, Sr.; her grandchildren, Latoya and Deshawn Thompson of Strasburg, PA, and Shakeya Rios of Stone Mt., GA; and her 4 great-grandchildren. Survivors also include her sister and brother-in-law, Agatha “Gert” and Johnny Efferson and their children Sheila Efferson and Johnny Efferson, Jr., all of Floral Park, NY; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, sister-in-law, Maxine Hamilton; and many good and dear friends. She was predeceased by her brothers, Johnny “Appleseed” Hamilton, James Hamilton, and Nathaniel Hamilton; and her sisters, Francis Hamilton, and Ruth MaBroi. Visitation will be held Monday from 4-6 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Orangerene’s Home Going Celebration will commence on Tuesday morning at 11:00 at the House of God Church, 1304 Genesee Street, Utica, with Rev. Charles Felton officiating. Interment will take place graveside at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Orangerene Hamilton

February 21, 1943 - April 28, 2009