Obituary of Kathleen Grace Hanley

June 4, 1929 - Maidstone, Saskatchewan

January 10, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Kathleen (Grace) Hanley was born in Lashburn, SK, on June 4, 1929. She was the daughter of Bonnie and Albert Harmel.

The family lived on a homestead northwest of Maidstone, SK. She had many happy memories growing up on the farm, from skiing to school in the winter, to trips to town with the horse and sleigh. During the war years when help was hard to find, she drove a tractor that pulled a combine at harvest time. Their home was a popular gathering place for school friends. Stories have been told about the school children often going for a swim in the Harmels’ dugout after school. The large family of eight girls and two boys provided plenty of fun for visitors. Grace’s father passed suddenly when she was nine years old and within a few years, her mother moved the family to Alberta.

At sixteen years old, Grace worked as a switchboard operator, then she trained to be a hairdresser at Jacobson’s Beauty School in Calgary. On May 6, 1950, she married Walter Hanley. They had three children, Jim, Jordan, and Jackie. The Hanley family enjoyed years of fun with friends at their cabin at Sunny Side Bible Camp on Sylvan Lake. When the children were older, she opened a beauty parlor at Trinity Lodge. Three years later, she accepted the position of Social Director, where her duties included handicrafts and activities; lots of music was sung and played. Grace continued to cut, style, and perm hair for friends and family into her 80s. She had a passion for playing the piano, knitting, crocheting, baking, and hospitality.

In 1983, Grace and Walter moved to Vancouver and their legacy continued. She was an activity coordinator at Broadway Lodge on Granville Island until her retirement.  Then they moved to Kelowna, and finally back to Calgary.

Grace spent her final years at Bowview Manor. She was well-loved by many of the nurses, caregivers, and others.  Special care was given by Tanis (daughter by love), Laila and Melanie (gifts from God), Stacey, Joy, and Gab (nurses), and Jodie and Selina (blessings on earth).

Grace and Walter Hanley lived their unwavering faith in Jesus. They shared their love and gifts with those around them. They were youth leaders and renovated their basement to host countless youth activities. The First Assembly Church was home for many years, where friendships of over 60 years remained strong.

Grace is remembered for her beautiful smile and her joy in life. Her kindness and generosity blessed the lives of family and friends. She hosted countless delicious dinners. Grace’s deep faith was evident in everything she did and in every interaction with others. She taught so many how to knit and gifted her handicrafts to others. She will be missed by many and remembered for the joy she brought. A life well lived, for sure!

Grace is survived by her children and their spouses, James (Joy), Jordan (Rebecca), and Jackilee (Bruce). Along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Grace is also survived by two sisters, Jean Hunt and Lois Kaake; sister-in-law, Dorothy Harmel in Maidstone, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Grace was predeceased by her husband Walter, and five sisters, Hazel Carrington, Marjorie Powell, Gladys Schmale, Beryl Whitteron, Muriel Sedger; and two brothers Leonard Harmel, and Clifton Johnston.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Calgary Dream Centre, 4510 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary, AB T2G 0A4 will be held at McInnis & Holloway on Friday, March 15, 2024, at start time 2:00p.m. Parking and Chapel is behind the Dream Centre.

Hope you can come!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Grace and Walters's name to the Calgary Dream Centre.  The Dream Centre represents dignity, destiny, and dreams for the homeless, mental health, and addiction recovery. Grace believed in and supported this ministry for years.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Grace’s family here.

In living memory of Grace Hanley, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Calgary Crematorium, 3219 – 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 3A6, Telephone: 403-299-0111.