April 3, 1933 – February 11, 2026
Gerd Hamilton (nee Bissberg) passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in the hospital after a short illness. Her three children were by her side on her final day.
She was raised in Hurkett as the only child of Knute and Inga Bissberg. Shortly after finishing high school, her father died, prompting her and her mother to relocate to Fort William. There, Gerd sought employment and found an apartment. She began working at Bell Canada as a long-distance operator and settled into an apartment in Westfort with her mom. Eventually, she met and married William Gordon Hamilton. The three of them lived in Westfort until Carol, their first child, arrived. They then moved to Vickers Heights to reside in Gordon’s family home. Gerd’s mom lived with them until she passed away in 1959. Together with Gordon, they raised four children there. Once the kids grew older, Gerd took a job at Sears as a switchboard operator and later worked in Personnel for many years. Gerd and Gordon enjoyed spending winters in Florida and summers at Kash River Resort. After Gordie’s passing, Gerd remained in Vickers Heights until she died; she was a resident there for 70 years. Over the years, she dedicated herself to volunteering with several organizations: ANAF Service Club and Colour Party member, Vickers Garden’s Women’s Institute, The Viking Club, The Scandinavian Home Society, and was very active within the Vickers Heights Community Centre.
Gerd had a passion for cooking, gardening, crafting, spending time with family, traveling, and exploring her Norwegian roots.
Her family meant everything to her. She is survived by daughters Carol (Buster) and Susan; son Larry (Deidre); grandchildren Jennifer and Lee Hamilton; Kim; Jamie (Kdee); Amanda; Jeff (Victoria) Young; Laura (Devon) Blair; Cale Hamilton; along with great-granddaughter Hallie Blair. She cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchild while being an amazing Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother. Gerd was known for being caring and will be missed by many.
She was preceded in death by her parents Knute and Inga Bissberg; husband William Gordon Hamilton; son Gary; daughter-in-law Donna; cousin Eleanor (Ken) Methot; sisters-in-law June Feaver & Wilma Koczkur along with brothers-in-law Victor Koczkur & Ross Hamilton. Gerd had strong ties with her in-laws whom she loved dearly.
A private burial took place at Mountainview Cemetery where she rests beside her beloved husband Gordie on Thursday February 19.
A celebration of Gerd’s life will take place later.
If you wish to honor her memory instead of sending flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or The Salvation Army or any charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the WESTFORT CHAPEL at 420 West Gore Street near James.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay. com
