Margaret “Darlene” Hamilton
4/3/1943-05/24/2025
Margaret “Darlene” Hamilton, age 82, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, in Charlestown, Indiana, surrounded by her loving family.
Born to Charles "Clever" Pyles and Mary "Roxie" Spalding, Darlene lived a life filled with warmth, independence, and a deep love for her family. She was a proud graduate of Presentation High School and Bellarmine University, where she earned her nursing degree. Over the years, she cared for countless lives in her role as Director of Nursing at the Episcopal Church Home, and she later brought joy to many through her passion for quilting as the owner of Forget-Me-Not Quilting in Germantown.
Darlene was a woman of many talents and interests. An avid quilter, she created beauty and comfort with each stitch. She also enjoyed the game of Bridge, loved playing golf, and for a time was a competitive runner and tennis player. Her enthusiasm for sports extended to cheering on both the Louisville Cardinals and Kentucky Wildcats, as well as following the NFL and the PGA Tour.
Darlene was a fiercely independent spirit, a loyal and loving mother, and a devoted friend. Her sharp wit, generous heart, and unshakable strength will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her children: Don (Sandra) Hamilton, James “Rick” (Angela) Hamilton, and Theresa (Ed) Schindler; grandchildren: Kyle Hamilton, Ryan Hamilton, Nevada (Topher) Lund, Joseph (Megan) Worthington, and Michael Schindler; and great-grandson Alexander Worthington.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Burgin; her parents Charles Pyles and Mary Spalding; and her siblings: Tommy Pyles, Dorothy Houser, Bobbie Pyles, Helen Hyatt, Martha Muth, Shirley Jones, Mike Pyles, and Freddie and Jean Ann, both of whom passed in childhood.
A funeral Mass in celebration of Darlene’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 13, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 155 Stringer Ln, Mt. Washington, KY 40047. A lunch reception will follow in the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St, Jude's Children's Hospital in her honor.
Cremation was chosen and Magnolia Cremations of Jeffersonville, Indiana has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Condolences (4)
Virginia Kirfhage
Speaking for my fellow quilters, we send our condolences upon your mother’s death. We recently learned of Darlene’s passing. She was a quilter with our group at St. Athanasius Church and made many of our pieced quilt tops, some of which we still have to be quilted. God bless her, she was such a beautiful soul. She gave so much to others.
Maria Moll
What a beautiful tribute to your amazing mom ❤️ Many continued prayers for you all.
Janie Burkhardt Sharber
Thanks to Darlene, I had countless memories in my childhood with Darlene and family, playing with all the kids, cookouts, softball and fright night. She’s been a long time friend of my Mom’s too. My deepest condolences to Theresa, Donnie and Ricky on the loss of their beautiful Mom.
Donna Stukenborg
My deepest sympathies. May your Mom rest in peace. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.