Joan Hanley

JOAN HANLEY Joan Catherine Elizabeth Hanley, 78 a homemaker, of Las Vegas, passed away Monday, Jan. 12, 2009, at Spring Valley Hospital in Las Vegas, following a courageous battle recovering from heart surgery. She was born May 28, 1930, in the town of Mineola, N.Y., to the late Christopher and Anna Dunphy. April 15, 1948, Joan was united in marriage to the love of her life, Raymond Hanley. Joan is joining her beloved husband, Raymond Hanley, who passed away in November 1992. Joan is survived by her three wonderful children, Michael, Maureen and Matthew; her son-in-law, Gene; her daughter-in-law, Linda; as well as her grandchildren, Angela, Alexander, Christopher, Elizabeth, Lauren and Forest. Joan spent the majority of her life in Mineola, where she raised her family. She and her husband, Ray, retired to Las Vegas in 1987. A dedicated Catholic, Joan was active in the Christ the King Catholic Community Church in Las Vegas helping to bake the communion bread and ironing the linens. She was also active in the Rosary Society, St. Jude Society and the Irish-American Society. A world traveler, Joan loved exploring new countries and cultures. She traveled extensively with her family and on ElderHostel tours to Ireland, Russia, Italy, England, France, New Zealand and Canada. Joan loved to cook and made the best ham salad and lasagna around. Her house was always ready for company and clean enough for a magazine photo shoot. She would never leave a dish in the sink for more than an hour and made sure that your bed was made even before you fully got out of it. Ironing and laundry could be considered hobbies of Joan's because she enjoyed them so much. Joan was a dedicated grandmother and would fly across the country to visit her grandchildren in Alaska and New York for Grandparents Day, birthdays, or just because you asked her to. Her laugh and bright blue eyes could light up any room. The viewing will be 5-6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, and funeral Mass will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, both at Christ the King Catholic Community Church, 4925 S. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89118, Father Bill Kenney will officiate. In lieu of flowers, Joan's family kindly asks for donations to the St. Jude Society. The easiest way to donate is to visit their website at www.stjude.org/donate .