Mary Anna (Bowe) Hanley, 97, of Worcester passed away on November 25, 2021. She leaves four daughters, Susan McAuliffe and her husband Michael of Holden, Cyndi McKinnon of Berlin, CT and Cape Cod, Mary Anne Hanley of Worcester, and Kerry Bradshaw and her husband Barry of Oxford; a Son-In-Law, Larry Goode of Nantucket; 11 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; a sister Theresa Remeika of Wallingford, CT; godchild and niece Heather Rochford Flavin of Spencer; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, on the same date eight years ago, Edward “Zeke” Hanley; a daughter, Kelly Hanley-Goode; a granddaughter Kathleen; and a brother, James Bowe.
She was born in Worcester the daughter of the late James and Bridget (Carroll) Bowe. She spent many years enjoying her passion of tap dancing with her brother Jimmy at many shows throughout New England. Using her talent of entertaining she directed the Christ the King Church CYC annual musicals. Mary was a World War II Navy Veteran serving in Naval Intelligence while stationed in Boston. After the Navy, she attended business school and spent many years working as a secretary. Several of those years in the Worcester Public Schools retiring from Mill Swan School in 1987. After retirement, she spent 20 years vacationing with the love of her life Zeke in St. Augustine, FL during the winter months.
She spent 60 years in her little cottage on Rich Street where she raised 5 daughters and was a wonderful and cherished neighbor.
Mary’s quick wit and endearing stories kept everyone laughing and entertained. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, local outdoor concerts, traveling, playing the piano, baking cakes for family celebrations and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her later years she found joy in painting.
Her presence will be greatly missed but she will remain in our prayers and hearts forever.
Her graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 1st at 12:00 p.m. in Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Ave, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to PBS.org or Worcester County Food Bank, 474 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545. O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue is assisting the family with arrangements.