Former Select Board member, world traveler, conservation advocate
Sarah Hamill. (Courtesy photo)
Sarah Macrae Hamill, 87, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, died Friday, March 4, 2022, surrounded by her loving daughters, following a period of failing health.
Sarah was the beloved wife of James R. Hamill for 47 years and devoted mother to Elizabeth Bristow and her husband, Shawn, and Margaret Emmanuel and her husband, James. She was a loving granny to Hannah Rubin, and to Luke and Sophie Emmanuel.
Born on Nov. 25, 1934, in Reigate, England, Sarah was the oldest daughter of Donald and Peggy (Maxim) Macrae and sister to Christina (Michael) Bancroft and Duncan (Jean) Macrae.
Sarah attended Godolphin School in Salisbury, England, following the end of World War II. She was always brave, with a keen sense of adventure, starting with moving from London to Boston in 1957 to live. She traveled extensively throughout her life, beginning with a trip around the world in 1959.
Sarah married Jim in 1966. They moved to Harvard in 1968, where they lived for over 35 years; Jim died in March 2014.
In 1969 Sarah proudly became a U.S. citizen, affording her the opportunity to participate in local town committees and politics. Sarah was an active member of the Harvard community, beginning with her participation with the League of Women Voters. Sarah was passionate about land conservation and served many years on the Harvard Conservation Commission and Harvard Conservation Trust, where she championed the conservation of some of Harvard’s most beloved open spaces. Her commitment to the town was also served through her two terms as a Select Board member from 1993 to 1999.
In 2005 Sarah and Jim moved to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. There they were active members of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Always a lover of history, Sarah took on organizing and archiving many of the historical records of the church. In addition, Sarah spent time composing a short booklet about her experiences as a child during World War II.
The family extends deep gratitude to Wentworth Senior Living for their loving care of Sarah these past seven years.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 26, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 101 Chapel Street, Portsmouth. Masks are required. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Sarah’s name to St. John’s Church Building Fund, 101 Chapel Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801. For online condolences, go to www.jvwoodfuneralhome.com.
