Alice E. (May) Hanley, 101, died peacefully on Monday, December 12, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. Her husband, Patrick A. “Gus” Hanley died in 1985.

Alice was born on February 14, 1915, daughter of the late Luke C. and Elizabeth (McCarthy) May and was raised in North Andover. She graduated from North Andover High School in 1932. Alice and her late husband raised their daughter, Elizabeth, in Keene, NH where Alice was employed by the Keene School District. In 1967 they moved to Exeter, NH where she was employed at the Exeter Clinic and, with her husband, was a member of the Exeter Country Club, Exeter Senior Citizens, and Gulls and Buoys Square Dance Club of Hampton, NH. In 1997, Alice moved to Shrewsbury and lived independently at Francis Gardens until she moved to Whitney Place Assisted Living in Northborough in February of 2016. She was a communicant of St. Mary’s Parish in Shrewsbury and a member of Francis Gardens Senior Citizens.


Alice is survived by her beloved daughter Elizabeth MacAllister and much loved son-in-law Robert, of Shrewsbury; three cherished granddaughters, Lisa MacAllister of Jackson, NH, Mary Pritchard and her husband Phillip of Shrewsbury, and Susan Pierce and her husband Andrew of Jefferson; five great-grandchildren who were her joy, Elizabeth Castantini and her husband Drew of Salisbury, Timothy and Rachel Pritchard, both of Shrewsbury, and Hayden and Harrison Pierce, both of Jefferson; two treasured great-great-granddaughters, Ava and Lyla May Castantini, both of Salisbury; many devoted nieces, nephews, friends, and her “chosen family” Mary Purbeck and Martha Brunelle. Alice was predeceased by her husband Patrick A. “Gus” Hanley; four sisters, Rita Levesque, Helen Voight, Catherine McPherson, and Elizabeth Pendak, and a brother, Luke C. May.

Alice loved the beach. She grew up frequently visiting Hampton Beach with her parents, siblings and extended family. She loved sunbathing, swimming and the Hampton Beach Bandstand and Casino. When she became a grandmother, she shared that love of the beach with her granddaughters and loved to sit with them on the rocks near the Hampton jetty and laugh as the waves splashed on them. She also loved to take her grandchildren to what she still referred to as “the penny arcade.”

Living next to Exeter Country Club made it easy for Alice, a golfer for many years, to enjoy many good times there with her husband, friends, and family. Whether it was golfing, socials, or sledding down the giant hill in the winter, Alice could often be found at the club or riding around the neighborhood in her golf cart with her grandchildren.
Alice loved to watch golf and the Boston Red Sox. She was an avid football fan, particularly of the New England Patriots, with a remarkable knowledge of the game. She continued to watch the games in her last days.

She enjoyed reading, music, travel, people watching, playing poker, socializing with friends, attending her grandchildren’s and later, great grandchildren’s sports and school events, cooking, being outside in the fresh air, and doting on her family. She always loved to have a seat by a window or on a porch so she could see what was happening around her. She had a genuine interest in people and made friends easily everywhere she went. At almost 102, she continued to help friends and family with sound advice and a caring heart. Her wisdom will be missed by many. She remained physically active, young at heart and a great conversationalist with a sharp mind until the day she died. Alice had a wonderful sense of humor. She loved to laugh and make others laugh.

Her greatest joy was being with her family. She loved a holiday celebration or a party, but was just as happy to visit over a cup of tea or a phone call. A highlight of every week for Alice and her family was their traditional “Monday Night Dinner/Pizza Night” together at Alice’s home. When Alice’s first great grandchild was about 2 years old, she decided to shorten the name “Great Gram” to simply “Great.” The name stuck and it fit. She has been lovingly called “Great” by the children, and some adults, for almost 30 years. Alice was loved beyond measure.

Calling hours for Alice will be on Tuesday December 27, 2016 from 4-7 pm in the BRITTON-SHREWSBURY FUNERAL HOME, 648 Main St, Shrewsbury. A funeral Mass celebrating her life will be on Wednesday December 28, 2016 at 10 am in Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main St, Shrewsbury.
Alice’s family is deeply grateful for the exceptional care and compassion from the staff at Whitney Place Assisted Living in Northborough and Salmon VNA & Hospice. Donations in Alice’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 Source Code:IIQ160788777.