Wendy Hanlon

Wendy (Hawkins) Hanlon died peacefully surrounded by her family and closest friends on October 12, 2022, after a short period of care by staff at BIDMC.

Wendy was born in Milton, MA on December 17, 1954.  She graduated from Milton High School in 1972, then went on to complete her undergraduate education at Bridgewater State College in 1976. Wendy was a lifelong learner and educator, beginning her career teaching adapted physical education.  After several years away from teaching to raise her three children, Wendy returned to teach health and science at Atlantic Middle School in Quincy for over 20 years.  She adored her Atlantic family and working with such a diverse group of students. In 2003, Wendy earned her Master of Education from Framingham State College.

In 2001 Wendy married the love of her life, Rich, blending their two families into a beautiful Brady Bunch. They loved to travel together especially to San Francisco, a trip of a lifetime to Alaska, and anywhere to visit family. She was the biggest cheerleader for her children, always supporting and offering welcomed advice. She was happiest when with or talking about any of her 8 grandchildren. She loved going on adventures with her sisters, never missing an opportunity to find a bargain or start a new craft project.

Wendy was the best friend and soulmate, forever and a day, of Rich Hanlon of Quincy, MA. Loving mother to Amanda (Paul) Grazioso of Plymouth, NH, Melissa (Jonathan) Peffer of Penfield, NY, and Frankie (Michelle) McKenna of Maine.  Stepmother of Diane (Dan) Buscemi of Exeter, NH, Kevin (Shannon) O’Hanlon of Frisco, TX, John (Steph) Hanlon of Bristol, CT, and Joy Marie Hanlon in Heaven. She was the BEST Marna to her 8 grandchildren: Elizabeth & Peter Grazioso, Ada & Mira Peffer, Elijah McKenna, Felix & Charlie Hanlon, and Cecilia Joy Buscemi. Wendy leaves behind her devoted brothers and sisters William (Jane) Hawkins, Deborah (Bryan) Besso, Edward (Judy) Hawkins, Graham (Margaret) Hawkins, and Beth (Wayne) Gilbert. Wendy was a loving aunt and great-aunt to many, especially her Goddaughters Emilee Murtagh and Alex Hawkins. She was a devoted and loyal friend, especially to Gail McCarthy and Laura Cohen. Wendy was predeceased by her parents, Bonnie and William Hawkins.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Monday, October 17, 2022, from 4-8 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home SOUTH WEYMOUTH (across from SSH). Her funeral service will be celebrated Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at 10 AM at St. Mary’s 115 Crescent Street, Quincy. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Joy Marie Hanlon Memorial Fund, c/o Clifford Marshall School, Quincy, MA to continue Wendy’s legacy of education to Quincy students https://gofund.me/61c9e9b8.