Shirley M. Hamilton

Shirley M. Hamilton, nee Cooper, 75, of Belleville, IL, born Saturday, September 18, 1948, in East St. Louis, IL, passed away Thursday, October 5, 2023 at her residence in Belleville, IL.

Shirley was born to Walter and Edna Cooper whom she loved dearly. She was a fun-spirited, spitfire, known for her feisty, outspoken, and forthright character. Anyone who met Shirley knows she didn’t hold back and was quick to speak her mind but was also boldly generous in giving incessantly to those she loved. As a young mother, entrepreneur, and cancer warrior, she has always shown great strength and courage as matriarch of her family. Shirley was the proud owner of East End Pet Grooming, dedicating herself to the meticulous and artful craft as a pet groomer for over 45 years. She will forever be remembered as a loyal mother, devoted grandmother, and passionate great-grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her:

• Husband, John Hamilton
• Parents, Walter and Edna, nee Rampenthal, Cooper
• Daughter-in-law, Stephanie Gotto
• Brother, Walter Cooper
• Sister, Maryann Dean

Surviving are her:

• Children:
  • John T. Gotto Jr. of Belleville, IL
  • Garry W. Gotto of Belleville, IL
  • Earlene A. (Dean) Schardan of Belleville, IL
  • Timothy M. (Jaime) Gotto of Belleville, IL
• Grandchildren:
  • Kandace (Eric) Ortiz
  • Jory Frick
  • Michael Gotto
  • Haille Gotto
  • Kelli Gotto
• Great-grandson, Luka Ortiz
• Loving companion, Tom Meketa

Per Shirley’s wishes, her remains will be cremated. Family members will hold a private service to celebrate her life.

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research.

Funeral: Private family services.