Mary Inez Hamlin

Mary Inez Hamlin was born September 16, 1935 in Highwood, Illinois- the youngest child of William M. and Inez (Wilson) Hamlin. The family soon moved to Appleton, WI where she lived for the rest of her life.

In 1954 Mary graduated from Appleton High School and began her career in the office at Wisconsin Electric (later WE Energies), holding a variety of positions at the company. After decades of dedicated service, she retired in 1994.

Mary’s father was a World War I veteran and died when Mary was very young. She honored his memory through her years of service in the Appleton American Legion Auxiliary Unit 38. Mary was a member of this organization for over 70 years.

Throughout Mary’s life, travel was a priority and highlight. A favorite location close to home was the family cabin at Pearl Lake near Red Granite - a trek she liked to take over the years. Mary took many trips to Europe and journeyed across the United States. Several of these tours were with the First Congregational Church choir. Two other particularly special trips were to visit her sister Elaine in Alaska in the 1950s, and to Ireland with her sister Ann in 2000.

At home, Mary enjoyed growing a variety of flowers in her yard, and had a known affinity for African violets. Since she was young, she held an appreciation for birds that appeared in her yard. Mary also relished cooking and trying new recipes- making notes in cookbooks about how the dish turned out.

In 2023 Mary made the decision to move to Renaissance Assisted Living. While there, she met many new friends and participated in numerous programs and activities- all of which brought her joy. On July 19, 2026 Mary passed away at the age of 90.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, brother William E. Hamlin and his wife Charlotte, sister Elaine Flauger and her husband Gerald “Pat”, sister Ann Mueller and her husband Armin, nephew William A. Hamlin, and niece Charlene Hamlin. She is survived by niece Darla LeClair and her husband Bill, nephew Quinton Mueller and his wife Dawn, great nephew Tony Richardson, great-niece Olivia Jones and her husband Kennedy, and great nephew Jack LeClair.

A funeral visitation will be held for Mary from 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 724 E South River St, Appleton, WI 54915 with a funeral service to follow at 10:30 AM.  Mary will be laid to rest with her family at Union Cemetery in Wautoma, WI.  Memorials may be directed to the Appleton American Legion Auxiliary Unit 38, an organization close to Mary’s heart.