June Hambleton

August 31, 1921 - July 13, 2021

June Hambleton, 99, of Ormond Beach, FL, died peacefully on July 13, 2021, at Strive Senior Living, Fern Park, FL. Born on August 31, 1921, in Detroit, Michigan, June was the daughter of George and Ann Fitzsimmons and the fourth of six children that we often described as an “Irish Clan.” She was a graduate of Pershing High School. In 1941 during WWII, she enlisted in the Women’s Army Corp, not because she had always dreamed of joining the military, but because her sister’s friend had done so and was sent to Florida. June saw enlisting as an opportunity to go to Florida. As it turned out, she ended up being stationed in England and this, without question, was one of the highlights of her life from which she proudly recounted many stories. Returning to civilian life she was hired by the Department of Street Railways (DSR) where her father was also employed. She later went to work for Seagram’s as an executive administrative assistant. June often shared stories about her multiple suitors and marriage proposals before she finally eloped with Fred Hambleton “the boy next door” in 1946. Because they were unable to find a place to live due to the post WWII housing shortage, they kept their marriage a secret and lived as neighbors until they were able to find their own place. They eventually bought their first home in Detroit. Pregnant with her first child, June left her job to become a homemaker. Over the years, she and Fred raised three children together living first in Detroit, then East Detroit and eventually in Fraser, Michigan. When Fred retired, they moved to Florida for year-round golfing and boating. They first resided in Palm Coast on the water and then in Ormond Beach on a golf course. Following Fred’s death, June served as a hospital volunteer for nearly 20 years until she “retired” at age 95. June was an avid golfer, bridge player, bowler, walker, and loved hearing a good joke. She was very proud of her four hole- in- ones and nearly as proud that she was able to get her driver’s license renewed at age 97. June’s life was not always easy, and she faced her share of hardships, but she persevered (probably a tribute to her Irish heritage). Friends and relatives will remember her as a pleasant person with a good sense of humor and unobtrusive style mixed with a fierce determination to remain independent. Fortunately, she was able to live on her own until she was about to turn 97 years of age. At that time, she moved into an assisted living facility closer to Orlando in order for her daughter to better care for her. She eventually moved into a memory care unit where she continued to protect her independence and self-reliance as much as possible. Staff were acutely aware that “Junebug” did things her way and on her terms. In addition to her husband Fred, June was preceded in death by her son, Freddie, as well as her parents, three sisters, Margaret, Helen, and Dorothy, and two brothers Herb, and Bob. June is survived by her daughter Susan Hambleton (Brenda Zimmerman) of Orlando, FL, Judy Delarosby, of Palm Coast,FL, two granddaughters, Carly Hambleton Cirilli, Plymouth, MI and Kelsey Delarosby, Palm Coast, FL, numerous nieces and nephews and dear friend Enid White. As per her wishes, no services are scheduled. In lieu of flowers, donations in June’s name may be sent to the Shriners Hospitals for Children. The family of June Hambleton invites you to leave a message of condolence on the Tribute Wall created in her memory.