Lisa Marie Hamilton

April 25, 1974 - January 7, 2021

Lisa Marie Hamilton, 46, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Thursday, January 7, 2021, at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, Iowa. A visitation will be held from 4 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids. A private family service will be held. Burial will take place at Linwood Cemetery in Cedar Rapids. All guests are respectfully requested to wear a mask and practice social distancing. A livestream of the funeral service may be accessed on the funeral home website tribute page for Lisa under “photos and videos or media,” starting at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 14, 2021. Lisa was born on April 25, 1974, in Casper, Wyoming, the daughter of Millard Box and Joann (Taylor) Watson. She graduated from Natrona County High School in Wyoming. Lisa went on to attend Casper College, and Black Hills State University where she obtained her Bachelors in teaching. She was united in marriage to James “Jim” Hamilton on October 12, 2002, in Cedar Rapids. Lisa was a kindergarten teacher at Van Buren Elementary. Lisa had a contagious smile that could light up a room and was known for her quick wit, entertaining phrases, and shenanigans. Lisa prioritized and valued her family. Above all else Kimberly was her biggest pride and joy. Lisa created magical and memorable moments for Kimberly and those she loved. She enjoyed quiet mornings on her porch, Disney, driving “Gertie” around, and wearing flip flops year round. Lisa was always up for an adventure and whether with family or friends, you always knew you would have a day filled with love and laughter. When she wasn't on the go, Lisa cherished quiet nights at home with Jim and Kimberly. Lisa spent the last twenty-one years of her life teaching kindergarten at Van Buren Elementary in Cedar Rapids. She loved her job and her students, which she referred to as “my kids.” Lisa was passionate about making sure her students received the best education and their needs were always met. Lisa was a master teacher who set high expectations. She found creative, hands-on, engaging, and interactive ways to motivate her students. Not only did students learn, but she brought excitement and fun into the classroom. Lisa was always there for her students as they grew and continued to stay connected. She took great pride in seeing her students graduate high school and would often attend their graduation parties. Lisa brought joy and humor into her kindergarten classroom and was beloved by those that worked with her. In addition to teaching, Lisa was an avid dance mom. She spent many hours watching and cheering on the girls at dance competitions. She was the mom that everyone wanted to be around. The girls named Lisa's van the “fun van” because she always made sure that the radio was turned up and there was fun and dancing going on inside that van. She loved watching Kimberly’s solos but she also cheered on other girls and would often go out of her way just to watch them. She believed in treating everyone as part of the team. Survivors include her husband, Jim Hamilton of Cedar Rapids; daughter, Kimberly Hamilton of Cedar Rapids; mother, Joann Watson of Cedar Rapids; brothers, Brian Box of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and John Cotton of Lone Tree, Iowa; and grandmother, Bertha Box of Casper, Wyoming. She was preceded in death by her father, Millard Box; and both maternal grandparents; and paternal grandfather, Millard Box, Sr. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.