Obituary of Maureen E. Hanley

Maureen Elizabeth Hanley, a native of Syracuse, died Thursday at Francis House. She was the daughter of the late Helen and Edward Hanley.

Although an only child, she was very close to her many cousins. She loved to tell the story of how she was the reason for the existence of several of those cousins. When her Mom, Helen, was at St. Joseph’s Hospital having Maureen, there was a chance meeting between Helen’s brother, Hank McNeill who was visiting her, and a young student nurse, Ruth Scanlon. That meeting turned into a marriage that resulted in 10 children. She was treated as another sister and aunt by that large family. She had many friends as well as all her cousins.

A person who enjoyed doing for others, she donated to many charities and would endlessly shop for gifts for all occasions. She rarely missed a family event. She was a faithful member of the Most Holy Rosary Parish and devout Catholic in all ways, maintaining a memorized prayer list that she said grew ever larger each year. She had graduated from Most Holy Rosary high school after attending Convent School. Following retirement, she volunteered in the church office for years. She received a degree in sociology from LeMoyne College.
Maureen was employed by the Onondaga County Department of Social Services, retiring after 40 years. She worked in the Children’s Division as a supervisor.

She volunteered at Sarah House for many years and was a member of several golf leagues.

She was predeceased by cousins, Joey Hayes, William McNeill, Anne McNeill Whalen, and James McNeill.

She is survived by cousins: Theresa Hayes Sanders, Thelma McNeill, Eileen (Rocco) Ferrara; Martha Fenton, Margaret Albin, Ellen McNeill, Veronica McNeill Solomon, Patrick McNeill, Kathleen (Edward) McLaughlin; Regina (Gary) Place; Michael (Susan) McNeill, Henry (Nancy) McNeill; Mary (Joe) Mannion. A special next generation cousin was very close and helpful to Maureen, Kayley (Christopher) Brim.

Services: 9:30 am Tuesday at Tindall Funeral Home and 10am at Most Holy Rosary Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. The Rite of Committal and burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, DeWitt. Calling hours will be 4 to 7pm Monday at the funeral home, 1921 W Genesee St.

Contributions may be made to Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave Syracuse, NY 13208.