Doris Mildred Hamelstrom

HAMELSTROM -- Doris Mildred Hamelstrom, beloved wife and mother, was called to the Church Eternal, on the Lord's Day August 22, 2010. Doris was born in Nemo, South Dakota. Her mother died when she was ten days old and her maternal grandmother raised her during the depression era in the Black Hills. It was there she met and married George, her beloved husband of 51 years. Gary was born in Rapid City, South Dakota in November of 1942. Doris and George moved to Casper, Wyoming in the late 1940's, where she was a Senior Regent for the Women of the Moose and an avid tap dancer performing at many variety functions. In 1955 the family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico and they have resided at their present address since October of 1965. Doris is a Life Member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary #5 in Rio Rancho and served as Senior Vice Commander, Junior Vice Commander and Chaplin. She was a founding member of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of New Mexico and served as President for over 27 years. As a member of the Combined Health Charities, she served on the Board of Directors and took part in the annual Cookie Walk for several years. In 1978, at age 57, Doris went to the University of New Mexico and graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in Community Services. Upon graduation she went to work at St. Joseph Hospital as a case worker in Medical Social Services until she retired. Doris and George joined the La Mesa Presbyterian family in 1972 and she served on the session and Deacons. One of her joys was taking part in the annual Feast of Hope that helped feed so many needy people in the area. Although in physical poor health for many years, Doris seemed to be the first one there and the last one to leave in all her endeavors. She was a "positive" person who had a kind word for everyone. Doris didn't talk a lot about things; she just "walked the walk" with kindness, grace and Christian charity. Doris is survived by her son Gary; and cousins including James Cooper who resides in Fort Collins, Colorado. Gary wishes to thank all of those whose support, well wishes, and help meant so much to Doris during her illness these last few years. A memorial service will be held at La Mesa Presbyterian Church on Monday, August 30, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. with a reception following. She will be interred at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe at 2:30 p.m. that day. Memorials can be made in her honor to the Building Fund of La Mesa Presbyterian Church, 7401 Copper Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. French 1111 University Blvd. NE. (505) 843-6333