With sadness we share the news of the death of the Rev. Abigail “Abby” Hamilton, 84, on December 2, 2025.
Abby was ordained a priest on January 5, 1977 at St. Paul’s, Morris Plains, becoming the fourth woman in the country, and the first in New Jersey, to be ordained after the 1976 General Convention approved the ordination of women.
In addition to St. Paul’s, Morris Plains, where she began serving in 1974 as a deacon, Abby also served as rector of St. Andrew’s, Newark (1979-1990) and as rector of Church of the Holy Innocents, West Orange (1990-2006). Her service in the diocese also included the Cathedral Chapter (Classes of 1982 & 1991); the Congregational Development, Renewal, Church Growth and Evangelism Committee (1981-1985); the Department of Missions (Class of 1985); the Commission on Clergy Salaries (1984-1986); Deputy to Provincial Synod (1987-1989); and Supplementary Deputy to General Convention (1990-1998). In the wider Episcopal Church, she served on Executive Council. Read her full obituary.
Abby is survived by her children, John and Elizabeth, and four grandchildren. Condolences may be sent to the family care of Church of the Holy Innocents, 681 Prospect Ave., West Orange, NJ 07052.
Her funeral will be held 11 AM Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Church of the Holy Innocents, West Orange. Interment will be private.
Good and gracious God, the light of the faithful and shepherd of souls, you sent your servant Abby to be a priest in your Church to feed your sheep with your word and to guide them by her example; give us the grace to keep the faith she taught and to follow in her footsteps. We entrust her into your unfailing mystery of Love and Hope through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
