Justina Baztan Hanby

Ana was born in Ejea de los Caballeros, a province of Zaragoza, Spain. She was the daughter of Concepcion Ibanez Garcia (1909–1985) and Julian Baztan Remon (1907–1940). She was one of four children and the only daughter, raised alongside her brothers Carlos, Felix, and Jesus. Her father passed away when she was just a child, leaving her mother to raise four children alone with strength and determination.

Born and raised in Spain, Ana carried with her throughout her life the warmth, strength, beauty, and rich traditions of her homeland. In 1951, her family founded Bazmin, a toy distribution company that would grow into one of the largest distributors of toys, camping equipment, and sporting goods in northern Spain. From an early age, Ana learned hard work, resilience, independence, and devotion to family — qualities that would define her life.

In 1962, while attending night business classes in Zaragoza, Ana went on a blind date that would forever change her life. There she met John Carroll Hanby, a shy, blonde-haired, blue-eyed American serviceman stationed in Spain with the United States Air Force. John was from Wilmington, NC and spoke no Spanish and Ana spoke no English, but they somehow understood one another perfectly, beginning a love story that would span more than six decades.

They married on February 16, 1963, in Spain. John later joked that during the entire Catholic ceremony, the only words he truly understood were, “You may kiss the bride.” The newlyweds spent two unforgettable weeks traveling through Spain and Northern Africa before John returned to the United States. For several months they exchanged heartfelt love letters before Ana moved to America to begin their new life together.

Together, they built a beautiful life in Wilmington, NC. They raised their two children, John and Sheila, who became Ana’s greatest pride and joy. Through her unwavering support, dedication, sacrifice, and encouragement, her children grew into successful adults — one becoming a veterinarian and the other an airline pilot.

Ana enriched the lives of her children by returning to Spain every other summer to visit relatives and reconnect with her roots. Those treasured trips gave her children the rare gift of growing up immersed in another culture and becoming fluent in Spanish. It was a legacy and opportunity they would carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Determined and fearless, Ana taught herself English and proudly became a United States citizen on May 16, 1973.

In the mid-1970s, Ana worked as a crossing guard for the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office near Pine Valley Elementary School, helping children safely cross South College Road when it was still only a two-lane road. She became a familiar, trusted, and caring presence in the community.

In the 1980s, Ana began a 15-year career at Brides of Wilmington, where she became known as a talented seamstress and bridal consultant. Her gifted hands helped countless brides feel beautiful and confident on one of the most important days of their lives. Years later, women would still stop her in public to thank her for the care and perfection she brought to their wedding dresses.

During retirement, Ana and John enjoyed working together part-time for Enterprise Rental Cars, traveling throughout North Carolina and along the East Coast transporting vehicles together — continuing the partnership and companionship that defined their marriage.

Ana had her own unmistakable style and never left the house without dressing beautifully. She carried herself with elegance, charisma, confidence, and pride. She was strong, independent, and truly the rock of the family — a force to be reckoned with. She was a master negotiator and enjoyed the art of making a deal.

She loved fiercely and protected her family without hesitation. Everything she did was for the people she loved most. She was compassionate, nurturing, wise, and endlessly generous. No matter the problem, Ana always seemed to have the right answer, comforting words, or practical advice.

In her later years, Ana faced dementia with extraordinary courage and resilience. Though the disease slowly took pieces of her memory, it never took her kindness, her smile, her wink, her warmth, or her love for her family. She survived COVID twice, recovered from the flu, and healed from two broken hips with remarkable determination and strength.

Even during her illness, Ana formed deep bonds with her caregivers and continued to recognize and cherish her husband and children. Dementia may have changed many things, but it never erased the essence of who she was. Her hugs still carried meaning, her hand grip remained surprisingly strong, and her loving spirit continued to shine through until the very end.

When asked what she wanted for birthdays or Christmas, Ana always gave the same answer: “Peace.”

Now, at last, she has found it.

Ana is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, John Carroll Hanby; her children, Sheila Hanby and John Hanby; her daughter-in-law, Laura; her cherished grandson, Ethan; and her loving family in Spain. She is preceded in death by her parents and all three of her brothers.

Her life was defined by love, sacrifice, resilience, dignity, faith, and unwavering devotion to her family. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue for generations through the lives she shaped, the love she gave, and the family she held together with strength and grace.

In lieu of flowers, Ana would want people to gather together — to laugh loudly, hug with meaning and be the last one to let go, share a beautiful meal with friends and family, hold hands, and tell the people in your life that you love them. She would also encourage you to hug your veterinarian, and the next time you fly, give the pilot some chocolate and thank him for getting you home safely.

She will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and always loved.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 11am to 12:30pm, at Coble Funeral and Cremation Service, 1155 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC

Funeral service will follow at 1:30pm at the Basilica Shrine of Saint Mary, 412 Ann Street, Wilmington, NC

Interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1311 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC

A Celebration of Life is being planned and will be announced at a later date.