Published in the August 31, 2018 edition
MELROSE — Mary E. “Betty” (Tessier) Hanlon, 93, of Melrose, formerly of Watertown and Somerville, passed away at the Benchmark Senior Living in Woburn on August 21, 2018.
Beloved wife of 53 years to the late Harold J. Hanlon. Loving mother of Harold J. Hanlon, Jr. and his wife Judy of Chatham, William B. Hanlon and his wife Mary of Melrose, John F. Hanlon and his wife Patricia of N.Y. and the late infant son Robert “Robbie” Hanlon. Cherished grandmother of Jennifer Hanlon Wilde and her husband Thomas of Ore., Emily Hanlon and her husband Nathaniel Cook of Salem, Timothy Hanlon and his wife Kristine, Colleen Sutton and her husband Andrew all of N.Y., Kevin Hanlon and his wife Rebecca of Woburn, Robert Hanlon and William Hanlon both of Melrose. Proud great-grandmother of Harry, Theo, Betty, Max and Jack. Sister of the late Joan VanTassel and Everett R. Tessier, Jr. Also survived by several loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Before marriage, Betty worked at Stone and Webster and at Simplex Timer Recorder Company in administrative positions. After her husband’s passing, she took on the role of Director of Volunteers at Middlesex County Hospital in Waltham for approximately ten years, after having volunteered there herself for many years while caring for her mother and father who were patients there. More recently, as an elder, she worked at the Melrose Wakefield Hospital in the Gift Shop, another volunteer position.
Among her many interests, Betty was a passionate and up-to-date sports fan, especially watching such tennis greats as Roger Federer and Serena Williams. She also closely followed professional golf, alternating her allegiance between Rory and Jordan depending on her mood. And, of course, she was a long-suffering Red Sox fan who delighted in all their recent championships. Additionally, she enjoyed movies, her daily crossword puzzle, and was an avid reader, especially of detective stories. A lifelong proud Democrat, she was an ardent follower of politics and greatly relished asserting her liberal views into many lively political discussions.
She loved travelling at home and abroad – her favorites being her many years as a “snowbird” in Indian Shores, Florida, and some very memorable trips with family members to England, Ireland, and France. But most importantly, she loved her family members and friends and cherished her time spent with them always. Her youthful spirit, modern approach, keen mind, generosity, enthusiasm, sense of fun, and her incomparable warmth and laughter will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Saturday morning August 25, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St. Wakefield. Interment at Cambridge Cemetery in Cambridge. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. Mary supported many charities so in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to your favorite charity. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com
