Jeanne Hanley

Jeanne Louise Hanley was an accomplished professional with a compassionate heart and artistic flare. She made her mark in the world of business and in the lives of her family and friends. She put the interests of others ahead of her own and dealt honestly and humbly with those around her. Leading by example, she taught her children and grandchildren to be accepting of others and caring of those whom society often ignores. While putting faith and family first, Jeanne embraced her community and the world around her with grace and peace. Jeanne Louises story began in Muskegon, Michigan when America was recovering from the First World War. The nation was experiencing industrial prosperity, women finally won the right to vote, and Harlem, New York was a-buzz with jazz, literature and art. Into this world of vitality and independence, Jeanne was born to James and Florence (Kline) Fagan on September 12, 1923. Jeannes father supported the family as real estate broker and owner of J.J. Fagan & Co. while her mother cared for six children at home. Jeanne was the fourth child among three sisters (Ruth, Pauline Polly and Nancy) and two brothers (Charles and James) growing up on Campus Avenue in downtown Muskegon. Jeanne enjoyed a typical childhood of All-American activities. She was a member of the Girl Scouts and St. Jeans Catholic Church. In winter, she liked to ice skate and in summertime, she played tennis, took family vacations to visit relatives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and spent endless hours along vast beaches at a rented cottage on Lake Michigan. Jeanne attended St. Jeans elementary school and then Muskegon High School, where she was active as editor of the yearbook and a member of Carmenta womens group. After graduating in 1941, she went on to Muskegon Junior College to study accounting. Her education and business sense eventually led her to work in her fathers real estate business with great success. World War II interrupted many lives, including Jeannes. She had started dating and soon fell in love with Ed Hanley, whom she met through her sister, Polly. Jeanne and Ed had a very brief engagement before marrying on April 6, 1943 at St. Jeans Church and then saying goodbye when he answered the nations call to duty. Ed had enlisted in the US Army Air Corp and shipped out for what would be four long years of military service. During that time, Jeanne lived with her parents, completed her studies at Junior College and went to work with her father. Upon Eds return, the couple lived for a brief period in the Hamilton Apartments, but it wasnt long before they moved into a new subdivision, Sherman Manor, that her father helped develop. They were delighted by the births of their six children: David was born in 1946, Richard in 1948, Barbara in 1951, John in 1959, Jim in 1960 and Paul in 1963. Eventually, the family settled in the Glenside Neighborhood and called it home for the next 30 years. It was a great place to raise a family among neighbors who became friends through many get-togethers. Jeanne was a Cub Scout den mother and Girl Scout leader, and she taught religious classes (CCD) to the youth of her church. The Hanleys were faithful members of St. Francis deSales Catholic Church and more recently St. Mary's Catholic Church. Jeanne was active in CAM Club, the Cursillo movement and DeColores weekends. She served as president of the St. Francis Women's Guild and was a member of the Service League, helping run its Nearly New Shop. Together with Ed, she developed a 30-year habit of attending early mass every day and going out for breakfast afterward with friends and fellow church members. On her own time, Jeanne nurtured her artistic abilities. She painted watercolors, stitched quilts and needlepoint and knitted very intricately patterned sweaters. It was a joy for her to give away many of her creations to friends and family. As a successful business woman in her 40s, Jeanne and her sister Polly had taken over their fathers real estate business. At a point in history when business women were few in number, Jeanne became the first woman to serve as the President of the Muskegon Board of Realtors. After the death of her father and her sister, Jeanne closed the business and became a real-estate agent for Crystal Anderson. She worked there for over 30 years and was going strong well beyond the average working age. When she was 80, Jeanne finally retired and she and Ed took the opportunity to go on cruises and travel to memorable places in Ireland and Europe. She also spent more time being Grandma to a growing number of grandchildren and great grandchildren. In the late 1990s, Ed began to develop Alzheimers disease, and Jeanne lovingly cared for him at home. When she inevitably needed more help, the two of them moved to New Era, Michigan, where their son Richard and wife Ann arranged for them to live in a small apartment. They had the independence of living on their own yet under the attention of nearby loved ones. When Ed died in 2004, Jeanne continued to live in the apartment on her own and still made weekly trips to Muskegon to visit friends and family. In 2011, Jeanne moved back to Muskegon to live with her daughter Barb and husband Tim. They took wonderful care of her, and friends continued to stop by to visit her. She battled Parkinsons disease and the onset of dementia but still insisted on going to church every week. Eventually the years took their toll, and Jeanne Louise passed away Saturday, June 21, 2014 surrounded by her loving family. They will miss her and fondly remember her life of love and devotion. Mrs. Jeanne L. Hanley, age 90 of Muskegon, Michigan, is survived by her daughter, Barbara (Tim) Kleaveland; her sons, David (Mary) Hanley of Dorr, MI, Richard (Anne) Hanley of New Era, MI, John (Michelle) Hanley of Denver, CO, James (Theresa) Hanley of Muskegon, and Paul (Margie) Hanley of Louisville, CO; 18 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Her husband, Edmund C. (Bud) Hanley, preceded her in death in 2004. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Ruth Miller, Pauline Hooper and Nancy Smith, and by her brothers Charles Fagan and James Fagan. FUNERAL MASS: Thursday, June 26, 2014, 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Fr. Matthew Barnum, celebrant. Interment at St. Mary's Cemetery. VISITATION: Wednesday, 5:00-8:00 PM at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon and a Rosary Service at 7:30 PM. MEMORIAL: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Project Rachel Ministry or Rachel's Vineyard. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.