Janet (Hamilton) Hearn

Born April 25, 1942 in Tucson, Janet (Hamilton) Hearn passed away at age 83 in Tucson
surrounded by family on March 7, 2026.

Janet was the youngest Hamilton, born to William John “Doc” Hamilton and Edith Wynn
(Baxter) Hamilton. Her mother became sick when she was five years old and passed away
when she was seven. Doc Hamilton was the long-time pharmacist at Rexall Drugs in Benson.

After completing her K-12 years in Benson Public Schools, Janet attended the University of
Arizona, majoring in Fashion Merchandising. As she neared graduation, she fell into Education
instead—after being so certain that she was not going to follow in the footsteps of many
relatives who were also teachers. Janet first taught in Albuquerque, New Mexico, then headed
back to Arizona where she taught on the Army base at Ft. Huachuca before landing a job in
Pomerene. She retired from there after teaching Kindergarten and Special Education for 40
years.

Janet earned a Master's Degree at the University of Arizona, spending time commuting to
classes with her niece, Deanna (Hamilton) Pollock—also a teacher. Committed to contributing
to her community, Janet sat on the Benson School Board for several years and served in
various leadership positions with a retired teacher's organization, Benson Alumni, and was
President of Friends of the Benson Library.

A strong supporter of visual and performing arts, Janet always looked forward to the next
Broadway show on tour in Tucson, played some piano, and painted many canvases in art
classes and on her own. She could knit and crochet, and embraced macrame when it was so
popular in the 1970s. She loved reading every day. Later in life, Janet enjoyed many world
travel destinations, always learning and appreciating everything other cultures taught her.

Janet is survived by her three boys, Rod Hearn, Dallas (Annie) Hearn, and David (Ora) Hearn;
ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; her sister Priscilla (Schmalzel); nephews Bill
(Laurie) Schmalzel, Steve (Christie) Schmalzel, Ed (Karen) Schmalzel, and nieces Deanna
(David) Hamilton Pollock, Jeannine Hamilton.

Janet will be remembered for her cheery attitude toward life and ability to share laughter—she
loved to have fun. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations can be made by check
to Friends of the Benson Library, 197 E. 7th Street, Benson, AZ 85602.

Friends, family, and former students are invited to a memorial celebrating Janet’s life on her
birthday, Saturday, April 25th at 11:00 am, Community Presbyterian Church, Benson, Arizona.
Guests are invited to wear yellow, Janet’s favorite color. A birthday party will follow in the
Fellowship Hall adjacent to the church.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will
be live streamed at: https://www.youtube.com/live/mZniMFBdAH8

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