Joan Marando Hanley, 90, a resident of Rye, N.Y., passed away on Friday, May 24, surrounded by her family.
She was born on Oct. 6, 1933, in Port Chester, N.Y., to her late parents Rose Suppa Marando and Joseph Marando Sr. Joan was raised in Port Chester and graduated from Port Chester High School in 1951. She went on to study at the Wilfred Academy of Beauty in New York, N.Y. and had an extended career as a cosmetologist. She was also a consumer consultant for Arnold Bakery.
Joan was married to her loving and devoted husband, Ralph Hanley, on Aug. 22, 1954, at Holy Rosary Church in Port Chester.
Joan is survived by her husband of nearly 70 years. She was the loving mother of three children: her daughter Debbie Hanley Martella of Southington, Conn.; and two sons, Jeffrey Hanley and Scott (Rosemarie) Hanley, both of Rye. Joan was the proud grandmother of eight grandchildren: Ashley (Laura) and Justin (Dayna) Martella; Alexandra, Courtney, and Jeffrey Hanley; Kelsey (Michael) Peterson, Lindsey (Christopher Finelli) Hanley, and Scott Hanley Jr.; and four great-grandchildren: Austin and Annabelle Martella; Giuliana Martella; and Connor Peterson. She is also predeceased by son-in-law Ashley Martella and is survived by former daughter-in-law Susan Ackland Hanley.
Joan is predeceased by her brothers, Vincent “Jimmy” Marando and Joseph Marando Jr.; and her sisters Angela Valbiro and Roseann DiVito. She is survived by another sister, Connie (Tom) Varbero of Somers, N.Y.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
For decades, Joan loved planning and bringing her classmates together as the chairperson for the Port Chester High School Class of 1951 Reunions. During her years at Port Chester High School, she was a lead drum majorette and a tap dancer. She won numerous Baton Twirling Competitions throughout Westchester County. In the 1950’s and 1960’s, Joan was a champion bowler in both Greenwich, Conn., and Port Chester.
Throughout her life, Joan was very active in the Rye community. She chaired the Rye Newcomers Club and was also involved with the St. Monica’s Mother Club at Church of the Resurrection. Joan honored her Italian roots as chair of St. Anthony’s Feast at Holy Rosary Church, and volunteered at the Don Bosco Community Center, both of Port Chester.
Joan was known for her sense of style, elaborate jewelry, and youthful appearance. She had an incredible sense of humor and was known for always being “the life of the party.” Joan and Ralph traveled extensively, taking many cruises and spending winters in Florida. They attended the second Inaugural Ball of President Bill Clinton in 1997 after receiving an invitation from First Lady Hillary Clinton.
Joan’s pride and joy was her family, and she brought everyone together with the parties that she organized and hosted. She especially loved Italian Sunday dinners with the whole family, and observing all of the traditions that came with Christmas Eve.
Joan’s spirit will live on forever in our hearts. Until we meet again, Mom, Grandma, and GG, we love you.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at the Church of the Resurrection in Rye, on Wednesday, May 29 at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made in Joan’s name to Port Chester-Rye-Rye Brook EMS.