Patricia B Hanna

Patricia Brennan Hanna of East Dennis MA (formerly of Beacon, N.Y.) died on Saturday March 19, 2011. She was 80 years old. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Stafford Hanna, her six children: Ellen Kievit & her husband James of PA, Elizabeth Hanna & husband William Buchalter of NY, Clare Mandia & her husband Michael of NY, Philip Hanna & his wife Julie of NY, Jennifer Hanna of MA, Martin Hanna & his wife Kerry of SC. Pat is also survived by her 19 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; her dear brother James Brennan & his wife Inge of MA.

Pat came from a close knit family with parents she adored. She found in her husband Stafford a man who was the perfect life partner. They began their life in NY raising family and later retiring to East Dennis, MA. Over the years, they were active socially and enjoyed many close friendships.

Family was only part of the equation for Pat. Some time after her children were in school, she decided to go on for her Masters Degree in Library Sciences (Long Island University) after already having done undergraduate studies at The College at New Rochelle in NY & SUNY at Empire State College. She had begun work in the local Howland Library in Beacon and wanted to become a librarian. She achieved that goal with top honors. Additionally, she wrote and published a book called “People Make It Happen”. She went on to become director at the Howland Library for many years and also at the Tarrytown Library. She’s been a gourmet cook, a talented seamstress, a ravenous reader, tireless gardener and faithful friend. She, Stafford and the children traveled extensively in the U.S. and abroad. Both Pat and Stafford were involved in multiple religious, civic and social organizations to improve the wellbeing of the community they lived in. They introduced positive behaviors to their own children and the expectations for the children to follow suit. Things such as reading to others, providing food to needy families, transporting the infirmed to medical appointments were just a few. Setting examples as involved members of the local and global community was their quiet family value. Their children treasure her.

Visitation will be held at the Doane Beal & Ames Funeral Home, 729 Rt. 134 South Dennis, MA 02660 on Wednesday March 23 from 5-8pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Pius X Church 5 Barbara St. South Yarmouth, MA on Thursday March 24 at 11am. Interment will be in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011