Martha "Marty" Jane McKay Hanson

December 3, 1926 – April 5, 2026

Martha Jane “Marty” McKay Hanson, 99, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2026.

A memorial service will be held on April 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Hanes-Lineberry Funeral Service, 515 North Elm Street, Greensboro, NC, officiated by Deacon Mike Martini.

Marty was born on December 3, 1926, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Allen John “AJ” McKay and Lydia Mercier. She was the second of seven children, all of whom were blessed to live into their senior years. Known as “Marty” from childhood, she carried the nickname with her throughout her life.

She was a gentle, witty, and joyful person with an easygoing spirit—warm and welcoming to all who had the good fortune to know her. Raised in Minneapolis, Marty later moved to North Carolina as a young wife and mother and made Greensboro her lifelong home, residing in the same house from 1957 until her passing.

Marty and her beloved husband, Bob, were devoted members of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, where they were active in parish life and served as Eucharistic Ministers. In later years, she attended St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church with her eldest daughter, Deb.

As a mother, Marty was deeply devoted to her daughters, encouraging their interests and ensuring they had opportunities to explore the world around them. Her home was a gathering place for friends and neighborhood children—an open door and a steady, comforting presence where all felt safe, seen, and welcome.

In her active years, Marty enjoyed golfing, bowling, and entertaining at home. She had a special love of birds and was rarely without her binoculars and bird guides. She also delighted in sketching small scenes from daily life—a bird perched nearby, a blooming flower, or a cat curled up on the couch.

Marty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 58 years, Robert “Bob” Hanson; her brother, Stephen McKay; her sisters, Patricia Schlee, Gerry McKay, Barbara Proulx, and Maureen Fitzgerald; and her son-in-law, John Maher.

She is survived by her daughters, Debra Maher and Christine Hanson, both of Greensboro; her sister, Mary Ann McKay of Minneapolis, Minnesota; her granddaughter, Gwyneth Waite of Greensboro, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family gratefully requests that memorial contributions in Marty’s name be made to the National Audubon Society, Attn: Donations, 225 Varick Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10014.