Catherine Ellen Hanley was born on the 29th day of May, 1954. She left this earthly life too soon on the 22nd day of February, 2020, while caring for the needy and stray. Catherine had the biggest heart and soul one could ever know. If you were one that she held dear, you were a blessed person. She could cook a meal that would continue to make your mouth water with just the thought of it. She loved to dig in the dirt and had a green thumb that would make you green with envy. She was also an accomplished artist. The intelligence of her mind was extraordinary and she never ceased to amaze you with the knowledge she had within that beautiful brain. She knew all the current events from local and afar and held an opinion on most of them. She was a lover of animals, big and small. She tirelessly checked on those in need, whether a friend, friend’s pet, or homeless stranger. She lit up a room upon her arrival, could dance a jig, and weave a tale like no other. She had a gift of telling a story for those that had the time to listen. She loved helping to plan the party and was the best coat snuggler as she would leave the group to their shenanigans as she rested. She loved her naps! Catherine worked for the Oklahoma City Public School System and talked of the children often with love and affection. She also worked for others privately, whom she considered her family and friends. Catherine was preceded in death by her parents James Hanley, Jr. and Helen Hanley (Schetlick), two brothers Patrick and Bill Hanley. She left behind the love of her life, Sidney Johnson, nephew and wife Anthony and Dawnyale Hanley, brother, James “Jim” Hanley, III, sisters, Elizabeth Legas and Mary Knight, other nieces and nephews, as well as many close friends and neighbors she considered her family. She never intended to leave us so unexpectedly as she had many plans. You can hear her tell the story of her accident in her animated voice and only wish that it had a different ending. A celebration of her life will be planned at a later date (probably in May). The date and time will be published by Hahn Cook later on their website. If you want to do something in Catherine’s memory, help a stranger, volunteer your services, hug those you love a little closer, give a stray dog a bone, and be kind.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18