Barbara Louise Hamilton

Barbara Louise Hamilton passed away in her home on Sunday, January 19, 2025, in Manassas Park, VA, surrounded by her family, at the age of 75. She was a beloved Wife, Mother, Nana and friend, cherished by everyone around her. She was the daughter of Lawrence M. and Louise F. Higgins, and the sister of Patrick Higgins and Betty Blanchette. She absolutely adored her baby brother and spoke about him often. Barbara graduated from Langley where she studied Business at Marymount University and worked at the Pentagon for a few years. She was co-owner of Erin’s Hallmark until the early 90’s, and then worked for Crestar Bank (Truist) until the early 00’s. In 2001, she took an offer to run the financial side of Velasquez Contractor, Inc. out of a home office in Centreville, VA. The company grew over the next few years, and she was the Office Manager for the next 18 years until she retired in 2019. The success of the company continues to strive today because of her hard work and dedication. Barbara met the love of her life, Joe C Hamilton, in 1984 and they started their journey together. She gave birth to their only daughter, Kelly Shevitz (Hamilton), in October 1985, then they married in November 1986. She also had three other children from her previous marriage, Eric, Katie and Erin Lee. Barbara was an extremely proud Nana to nine grandchildren; granddaughters, Hannah, Autumn and Cheyenne Kelley; Gracelyn Shevitz and Landon Lee; grandsons, Jensen Shevitz; Tristan, Camden and Emerson Lee. Aside from family, Barbara had a few special friendships. Her lifelong friend Nancy, whom she thought the world of. Sammy and Leyden Velasquez, technically her “bosses”, but she thought of them as her own children. Sammy and Leyden’s children, Samantha, Adam and Sebby, she considered to be her own grandchildren as well. The friendship she shared with Leyden’s father, Don Manuel, was a unique one. From the time they met, until his passing in 2021, they were the best of friends. He taught her “proper Spanish” while she taught him “proper English”. Barbara’s most special bond was with her granddaughter Hannah. Not because she was the oldest, but because she was Barbara’s “58th birthday present”, being born on March 25, 2007. They were two peas in a pod that loved each other dearly. Barbara was an avid Washington Redskins fan, even during their losing streaks over the years. She absolutely hated the name change to the Commanders, but she rooted for them until she lost interest in football. We know Mom was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, Don Manuel, her beloved dog Cody, and others we have lost along the way. She will forever be missed, but she will live on in all the lives she touched, as well as through her children and grandchildren. A Memorial Gathering for Barbara will be held on Saturday, February 1 from 5-8 PM at Pierce Funeral Home.

Barbara Louise Hamilton

March 25, 1949 - January 19, 2025