Mary Ellen Hanley (nee Sullivan) died in Seattle on Aug. 17, 2009 at the age of 80. She was born in Foxboro, Mass., daughter of Jeremiah F. and Doris E. Sullivan.
She received a bachelor of science degree in physics from Brown University and a juris doctorate degree from the University of Washington School of Law.
From 1963 until her retirement in 1988, Ms. Hanley was a member of the Seattle law firm of Karr, Tuttle, and Campbell.
Her many years of civilian service to the military include Chair of the Board of Visitors to the United States Naval Academy. Ms. Hanley was awarded the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal and was a Tudor Scholar of the U.S. Army Judge Advocate School.
Since her retirement, Ms. Hanley spent more than 21 years cruising the seven seas. She sailed around the world 18 times and set foot on 92 countries during her lifetime. Her hobbies included knitting, crocheting, and needlepoint for her family, friends and charities.
She was the widow of Commander Robert T. Hanley, U.S.N.(Ret.), and is survived by a son, Capt. Timothy R. Hanley, U.S.N.(Ret.), daughter-in-law Marie C. Hanley, granddaughter Mary Elaine Hanley, daughter Mary K. Hanley, son-in-law Kenneth T. Scheffler, brother Jeremiah D. Sullivan and sister-in law Sheila B. Sullivan. She was preceded in death by a brother, David H. Sullivan and a sister, Doris A. Bradbury.
Ms. Hanley was a pioneer in many ways for women, both in the law and in regard to the military. She was also a lot of fun. She was a great soul and will be dearly missed by her family and many friends.
A mass of celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m., Sept. 11 at Our Lady of Fatima Church located at 3218 W. Barrett St., in Magnolia. Internment will be in Arlington National Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers remembrances be made to the United States Naval Academy Foundation, 25 Maryland Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401, or the charity of your choice. Please visit/sign guest book at www.legacy.com/seattletimes.[[In-content Ad]]
