Obituary of M. Gertrude Hanley

Mary Gertrude Hanley, formerly of Saint John, wife of the late Albert J. Hanley, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at the Veteran’s Health Unit in Fredericton. Born in Saint John on November 15, 1920, she was a daughter of the late John and Veronica (O’Leary) Burns. Gertrude was a graduate of St. Vincent’s High School, St. Joseph’s School of Nursing, and the University of Ottawa. A Veteran of World War II, Gertrude served in England as a nurse. Gertrude was a devout Catholic and a parishioner of St. Pius X Church, where she was a Past President of the Catholic Women’s League, as well as a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 69, the Irish Canadian Cultural Association, and the Saint John North Liberal Association. In her spare time, Gertrude enjoyed playing bridge and reading, and enjoyed many summers at the cottage on the beautiful Belleisle Bay. Gertrude was a proud Saint Johner, where she lived her life fully and happily, raising her children, Tim Hanley (Colleen) of Ottawa, ON, Mary Goggin (Ken) of Fredericton, Catherine Titus (Ted) of Richmond Hill, ON, and Suzanne Hanley of Saint John. She was the proud grandmother of Patrick and Meaghan Hanley, Peter, Thomas, and Brian Goggin, Theo, Josh, and Jacqueline Titus, and Catherine, Patricia, and Nikita Hanley; and great grandson Nathaniel Titus; as well as several nieces and nephews. The last surviving member of her immediate family, Gertrude was predeceased by brothers Joseph, Francis, Maurice, and Patrick Burns; and by her dear sisters Nina Poirier, Jane van Oudenol, and Anne Burns. Gertrude’s family would like to thank the wonderful medical and facility staff at the Veteran’s Health Unit in Fredericton for their kindness, compassion and expertise, having made her last years comforting and fulfilling. Resting at Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visiting on Wednesday, January 30, 2013, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Pius X Church, 316 Somerset Street, on Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 10:00 AM. Interment will take place in St. Joseph's Cemetery at a later date. For those who wish, remembrances to the Alzheimer Society or to any charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences and remembrances may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.