Dian Dudderar Hamilton

Dian Dudderar Hamilton of Millington, MD, passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2022, at her home. She was 77 years old. Born on July 18, 1944, in Chestertown, MD, Dian was the daughter of the late Raymond “Al” Dudderar and Frances “Babe” Harris Dudderar. She was a 1962 graduate of Wicomico Senior High School. She studied at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, received a bachelor’s degree; a Master’s degree from Delaware State University; and earned a Doctorate in Education from Wilmington University. Dian's passion for early childhood education took her from teaching preschool and courses at Del State to later becoming the Director of Student Teaching at St. Mary’s College. In 1998, she joined the partnership of Atenas Preschool y Escuela Colina Azul in Costa Rica, offering pre-K through sixth grade. In the years that followed, she led English language learning and initiated and directed the innovative International Teacher Internship Program for college students from the US. Dian adored children and teaching, devoting her life to both. That love of children earned her the affectionate moniker “YaYa” as she was known to many, big and small. Dian was a daughter of the Eastern Shore, growing up in Easton and Salisbury and then living most of her life in Chestertown and Spring Landing Farm near Crumpton. She was actively involved in her community and was an avid reader who loved traveling. Dian and her husband, Herb, spent many years traveling and making a second home in Costa Rica. Together, they welcomed and introduced scores of family and friends to the splendor of the country and its people. Dian was a beloved sister, mother, aunt, wife, grandmother, and friend to many. She was a gifted shopper, finding the best bargains, and she was always dressed impeccably, matching head to toe. She will be remembered for her warmth, her vibrancy, and the way she welcomed everyone into her home, family, and life. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Hamilton; son, Matthew DiMaggio; brothers, Gregory Dudderar and Raymond “Chip” Dudderar; and sister-in-law, Linda Dudderar. She is survived by her sisters, Catherine Duda (John) of Charlotte, NC, Jody Dudderar (Bernardo Valdes) of New York, NY; stepdaughter, Melissa Sullivan of Virginia Beach, VA; niece, Heidi Dudderar of Riva, MD; nephew, Kyle Dudderar of Longmont, CO; great-nephews, Cole, Jude, and Harris; great-niece, Jordan; step-nephews, John Duda (Annie Lipscomb) and Matt Duda (Megan); and dear friends, including the Sweetak family and Carol Ingersoll. A Celebration of Life will be held at her home at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial can be made to Busload of Books at (https://robbiandmatthew.com/busload-of-books/), Compass Hospice (https://compassregionalhospice.org/donate/ ); or Atenas Preschool y Escuela Colina Azul (https://www.atenascolinaazul.com/).

Dian Dudderar Hamilton

July 18, 1944 - March 6, 2022