Elizabeth “Betty” M. Hanley

AUGUSTA/WINTHROP – Elizabeth “Betty” M. Hanley, 95, passed away peacefully at Captain Lewis Residence on Sept. 23, 2021.

Betty was born on March 10, 1926 in Augusta, the daughter of Francis H. and Hildred A. (Ames) Mills.

Betty graduated from Cony High School in 1944, and went on to Westbrook Junior College, graduating in 1946 as a medical secretary. She first worked at the VA, Togus as a medical secretary, where she met and later married her husband of 50 years, Capt. Louis R. Hanley, USN.

Betty was an excellent student, but she was especially proud that she went from kindergarten to 8th grade without missing a single day of school. While she enjoyed academics, sports and social activities were a high priority. She played basketball and field hockey at Cony, and continued playing golf and bowling well into her 80s. She was a member of the Augusta Country Club for 25 years, serving on the Board of Directors as Women’s Tournament Chair and Women’s Chair.

She found her dream job at Burgess and Leith stock brokerage (later Howe, Mendall and Associates) in Augusta, where she worked for over 20 years, ultimately as office manager. She considered the brokers and staff a second family.

Throughout her life, Betty was active in the community. A consummate organizer, she was a life member and past president of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, receiving the Order of the Rose award for service to the group. She served as coordinator for the Hot Meals Kitchen at the St. Francis Xavier Parish Hall and was honored by the Winthrop Grange for her community involvement. She orchestrated Cony High School reunions up until their 70th year after graduation.

She enjoyed bridge, backgammon, the Brunswick Music Theater, and her investment club. She had many friends both in the area and around the country and managed to stay in touch with most of them. It was impossible to go anywhere in the Augusta-Winthrop area without running into someone who knew and loved Betty. Still, her deepest devotion and loyalty was to her family.

Betty was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Louis Hanley.

She is survived by her sons Ric Hanley and wife Liz of Sun City Center, Fla., Bob Hanley and wife Mary of Westminster, Colo., Tom Hanley of Hallowell, and Jim Hanley and wife Tina of Manchester. She is also survived by grandchildren Michelle Christenson and husband Evan, Scott Hanley, Lucas Hanley, Jason Hanley and wife Renee, Dan Hanley and wife Jennifer, Nathan Hanley and partner David Stillitano, Kristen Skye Hanley, and Anthony Hanley and wife Jennifer; great-grandchildren Jonah Hanley, Caitlyn and Teddy Hanley, Lauren and Rachel Christenson, Ben, Sadie and Emma Hanley, James and Kyle Foley, Elle and Neve Hanley, Emma and Anna Hanley, and Aiden and Madelyn Hanley.

Mae West once said, “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” Betty Hanley did it right, living every moment of her life to the fullest.

The family would like to give special thanks to Kim Dolley and the staff of Captain Lewis Residence, who treated “Mum” like family during her two years there. We also offer sincere appreciation to the staff of Beacon Hospice, who provided support and comfort during the last two months of her life.

There will be no visiting hours. A private graveside service will be held at the Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery at a date to be determined.

Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop where memories and condolences may be shared with the family at http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.


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