Mary Louise (Knapp) Hanley

August 18, 1933 ~ February 19, 2023 (age 89)

Obituary

Mary Louise Hanley (Knapp) gained her angel wings in the morning of Sunday, February 19, 2023 in Albuquerque, NM. She was 89 years old. 

She was a Registered Nurse and worked with the Indian Health Service for 35 Years retiring from Fort Defiance Indian Hospital. She graduated from Nursing School in Buffalo, NY. Upon graduation, a fellow nursing friend and Mary took a road trip to Tuba City, AZ where compassionate qualified Nurses were in need on the Navajo reservation. It was there that she met and married her best friend and husband of 64 years in 1958. 

 

Upon retirement, she enjoyed the company of her 4 children, 7 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. Her long lasting drive to deeply impact others positively didn't stop in the comfort of her home. She loved seeing her family laugh and have peace with each other. Family was arguably the most important achievement in her life. All who knew Mary know the safest place on earth was next to her. 

Those of us who were blessed to be touched by her, understand that her existence and the imprint she left on our hearts exceed the quantity of time that she stayed here. Mary was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. 

Mary is survived by her loving husband, Wallace Hanley; children, Michael Hanley and Gail Hanley; sister, Jean Frank (Olean, NY), and many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. 

Mary was preceded by her mother, Ruth Wilson; father William Knapp; step-father, Harry Wilson; brothers, Don Knapp, Roy Knapp, and William Duncan Knapp; daughters, Kim Hanley and Carla Marques. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Fort Defiance Presbyterian Church on Monday, February 27, 2023 at 12:00 pm. 

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