Maureen E. Hamel

Dedicated long time Anchorage resident, Maureen E. Devron Hamel, 83, died peacefully in her sleep on January 9, 2024, at home in Anchorage. Maureen was born January 23, 1940, in South Providence, Rhode Island to Charles and Respa Devron. 

She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1957. She married Richard S. Hamel, at Saint Peter and Paul in Providence, R.I., on October 17, 1959. In 1971 she, Richard and their three sons, Ricky, Kevin and Gregory set out on a drive from the East Coast, up the Al-Can, to their new home in Alaska and she never left. She had one career her entire life and she loved it. She began in the late 1950’s as an old-fashioned plug type switchboard operator with New England Bell and finished her working life in 2016 as the Civilian Supervisor of Military Communications for Alaska. Maureen received many awards and commendations during her time with the Army/JBERS. She loved crafting everything from stained glass to wood and was always busy with some little project. She also spent time enjoying genealogy and her family history. A very private part of her enjoyed writing poetry, including the haiku included here. 

Mom is survived by her three sons, Richard Jr. of Arizona, Kevin of Nevada and Greg, who lives in Alaska. She is also survived by three Grandchildren, Keenan, Dakota and Cheyenne and two Great-Grandchildren, Van and Lux.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday April 3, 2025 at 12:00 pm at the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston. Inurnment will be immediately following in St. Ann Cemetery. Maureen was a passionate lover of, and advocate for animals and her home was almost always filled with a variety of furry friends. In later life she was a big supporter of abused and rescued animals. In lieu of flowers or gifts please strongly consider a donation in her name to Frog Song Farm Sanctuary. www.frogsongfarmsanctuary.org/donate. 

“Wander my WILD shore

Journey through my GRASSY fields

Always leave a SONG”