Resident of San Jose

Yvonne Doreen Hamilton, born Dec. 17, 1930, passed away peacefully on Dec. 24, 2024, at the age of 94. “Doreen” was the daughter of Ken and Nesta Challen. Ken Challen along with his Father Victor Challen and Uncle Cooper began a prominent Real Estate Company, Cooper Challen Realty, in 1887 in downtown San Jose, CA. Doreen is survived by her children, Ken and Mary Hamilton, Dave Hamilton and Rich Hamilton. Grandmother to Lindsay and Steve Gorshe, Kenny and Jennifer Hamilton and Great Grandmother to Trevor John and Luciana Gorshe, Malone and Collins Hamilton.

Doreen was born in Santa Clara, CA. In her early childhood years, Ken, Nesta and Doreen moved to Honolulu Hawaii to live until the bombing of Pearl Harbor which brought them back to San Jose. Doreen attended Trace Grammar School, Herbert Hoover Jr High. While at Herbert Hoover she met her best friend for life, Ruth Hayes Savage, the two remained friends for 82 years. Doreen then attended Lincoln High School and Graduated from San Jose State earning a teaching credential. While at San Jose State, she met Jerry Hamilton, the San Jose State Football Quarterback. Doreen and Jerry married soon after and remained in San Jose with their three sons, until divorcing many years later.

Doreen’s love for tennis grew after joining the San Jose Swim and Racquet Club as a charter member. The “Club” is where she made many friendships along with her ladies’ bridge group, both continuing for at least 50 years! Another love of Doreen’s was her sense of fashion!

Wherever she went she made an impression with the latest looks and put them together in classic Doreen style.

Whether it was her home designed with her love of African animals or a handbag to match her outfit Doreen loved expressing her style.

Doreen’s compassion for animals held true to the many dogs she loved throughout her life. They were her precious companions and loved each one dearly.

Doreen will be remembered as a life well lived, a beautiful mother, grandmother and great grandmother with many friends who she loved and lost throughout her lifetime. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Services will be held at Darling &Fischer, Campbell Avenue on Wednesday, January 8th at 12:00-1:00pm. Final resting burial at Mission City Memorial Park on Winchester Blvd. at 2:00pm