Veronica Hamel

OXFORD – Veronica M. (Hill) Hamel, 84, of Lovett Road, died Saturday, April 29, 2017, in her home surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Dr. Rene J. Hamel of Oxford; six children, Gregory C. Hamel of Oxford, Michelle A. Courtney of Oxford, James M. Hamel of Arkansas, Monique M. Smith of Oklahoma, Christopher D. Hamel of Oxford, and Nicole C. Hamel of Oklahoma; her sister, Sr. Joan Marie Hill, OP, of Ohio; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, and nieces; and her faithful companions, Finley and O’Malley. She was predeceased by her granddaughter Kara Veronica. She was born in Boston, daughter of the late Donald and Marie (Furlotte) Hill, and lived in Oxford for over 50 years. She graduated from St. Michael’s College in New Brunswick, Canada, and the Nursing School of St. Mary’s in Montreal, Canada.

Mrs. Hamel operated the Dental Office of Rene Hamel, DDS, in Oxford for 25 years. Previously, she was an operating room nurse instructor at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester. Mrs. Hamel was a current member of the Finance Committee in Oxford and was a previous member of the Building Committee. She served the School Committee in Oxford for 37 years and was president of the French River Education Center. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, reading, and caring for her dogs. Most important in her life was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff at Central Mass Hospice, especially Cherie Sirard, for the exceptional care given to Veronica.

A memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at St. Roch’s Church, 332 Main St., Oxford. Burial will be private at a later date at North Cemetery in Oxford. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104. Paradis-Givner Funeral Home in Oxford is directing the arrangements.