Of Wilmington, formerly of Waltham, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening April 19th, 2016 surrounded by her loving family at the age of 84.
Born on June 13, 1931 in Waltham; daughter of the late John and Mary (Lopez) Defina, Jean was raised and educated in Waltham and lived for many years before moving to Tewksbury in 1971 and for the past 18 years in Wilmington.
Jean was a devoted & loving wife, mother and grandmother to her family throughout her life. Her grandchildren were most important in her life and she enjoyed every moment spent with them through the years. She had a love for writing poetry and singing. In her spare time Jean was a passionate and avid bingo player.
For many years Jean taught CCD at Saint Thomas – Villanova Catholic Church.
Beloved wife of the late Paul F. Hanley.
Jean is survived by her loving & devoted children Debra Hanley-Bennett of Wilmington,
John Hanley and his wife Jean of Sandown, New Hampshire, Paul Hanley and his wife Kerry of Wilmington, and David Hanley and his former wife Patty-Jo of Tewksbury, her cherished grandchildren David, Derek and Alyssa Hanley, Paul and Ryann Hanley, Sean and Taylor Hanley, and Paige Bennett, her adoring great grandchildren Arianna and Devin Hanley, and her dear sister Dorothy Donahue of Wareham. In addition she is survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces & great nephews.
Dear sister of the late Joseph, Vincent, Stephen, Bartholomew, Katherine and Lucy.
Relatives & Friends are respectfully invited to attend a Funeral Service in celebration of Jean in the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons Memorial, 773 Moody Street, WALTHAM, on Friday afternoon April 29th at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Waltham. Visiting Hours will be held prior to the Funeral Service from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Parking attendants will be on duty.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jean A. Hanley (Defina), please visit our
Heartfelt Sympathies Store.