Mary Eileen McCracken Hamilton, 100, of Palm Bay, Florida, died Tuesday, February 18, at home with her family by her side.

She was born to the late Thomas and Mabel McCracken on May 21, 1924, in Oswego, New York. She received an associate's degree in business administration from the State University of New York. She married the late Byron Hamilton in 1946. They relocated from New York to Florida in 1984.

Mary worked for the Social Security Administration in both New York and Florida. She retired in 1987. She was active in the Melbourne Community Orchestra and played in a string quartet for many years. She played piano, violin, and cello, along with assorted other instruments. She sang in the choir and played in the bell choir at the Palm Bay Methodist church. She was also active in the Downstagers, a group that did skits at local libraries and nursing homes.

She is predeceased by Byron and her son Galen, and her long-term companion Charles Groat. She is survived by her daughters, Jill and Dawn Hamilton and a son-in-law, Ray Steele, of Palm Bay, five grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren.

There will be no local calling hours or service. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Hospice, either the Hospice of Health First in Florida, or the Hospice of your choice.