Mary Louise Greene Hanna

Mary Louise Greene Hanna, of Vestavia Hills, AL, fondly known as “Lou” passed away on March 11, 2014 peacefully and surrounded by her family. The fourth of seven children born to James Floyd and Mary Louise Dupre’ Greene, her 93 years were a testament of love and servant hood to God and her family. All those she met along life’s way were blessed by her wisdom, wit, and heart-felt caring.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 68 years, Henry Parrish Hanna on Nov. 9, 2013; her first granddaughter, Kathleen Suzanne Spruill; her son Henry Parrish Hanna, Jr; and her three brothers, Arnold, Floyd and Gayle Greene.

She is survived by her three daughters, Patricia H. Spruill (Paul) and Kathryn H. Hosmer (Floyd) of Vestavia Hills and Marie H. “Bitsy” Nelson (Craig) of Millbrook, AL; six grandchildren, Rev. Mark T. Spruill, Laura S. Callender (Thomas), Christopher M. Hosmer (Caren), John A. Hosmer (Kate), Richard C. Nelson (Alison) and Daniel A. Nelson (Christy); 12 great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Matthew, Joseph, and Isaac Hosmer; Dylan and Lydia Hosmer; Hanna, Austin, and Corey Nelson; and Alex, Anabelle, and Noah Nelson; two brothers, R. Gaudin and Edward A. Greene, one sister, C. Rozanne Dooly; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary Louise attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic School and St. Paul Catholic High School in Birmingham. She was employed by Yeilding Brothers Grocery, The Birmingham-Age Herald and First National Bank in Birmingham during her college years. In June 1944 she moved to Washington, DC to serve with the Roosevelt Administration in the Bureau of the Budget. She was graduated from Birmingham Southern College where she majored in English and History. A member of Gamma Phi Beta Social Sorority, she later served as president of their Alumni Association.

Lou married Henry, her partner for life, on Feb. 4, 1945 while he was on leave from the U.S. Navy in World War II transitioning from the Atlantic Theatre to the Pacific Theatre of War. After the war they reared their family of four children instilling the values of Christian belief in the Catholic faith and hard work, balanced with love, commitment, caring, and perseverance.

An excellent cook, she was known for her moist and rich “made from scratch” pound cakes or a batch of bread and butter pickles. Lou cared for the elderly or sick bringing her wit, laughter, and sincerity. She worked as a volunteer at St. Vincent’s Hospital for over 20 years and was awarded their Lifetime Member pin. She was instrumental in having the hospital display a Nativity scene during Advent and the Christmas season in the lobby with evergreens and poinsettias. She served in the ER for many years before moving to the Information Desk and then to the hospital gift shop where her smile and cheerful personality were a blessing to all.

She was a member of the Vista Club and Amulets where she served as President in 1965. Her love for the game of Bridge saw her in many a foursome. She loved to refinish furniture, taking something old and giving it new life. Her love of nature - from growing flowers to teaching her children the names of the stars, planets and constellations in the night sky was contagious. She loved the beach and its wonders, sitting under the umbrella or on the deck for hours. God gifted her with a green thumb as she loved to root her cuttings and give them away. She learned the art of sewing from her mother, and made many a dress or curtains and would pick up the priests cassocks at church to mend them by hand.

Mary Louise Greene Hanna practiced her faith with great devotion and passion. Well done thy good and faithful servant.

In lieu of flowers the family requests gifts be sent to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church Building Fund – 1728 Oxmoor Road – Birmingham, AL 35209; EWTN – 5817 Old Leeds Road, Irondale, AL 35210; or Aldridge Gardens – 3530 Lorna Road – Hoover, AL 35216

A Rosary Service will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 14 followed by visitation at 2:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 3:00 p.m. followed by the interment at Elmwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Christopher and John Hosmer, Richard and Daniel Nelson, Thomas Callender, and Tom Greene.

Arrangements under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel, Homewood, AL.