Obituary of Mary Hanlon

It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Charlotte (Hourihan) Hanlon announce her passing which occurred on August 27, 2026, at the Loch Lomond Village, Saint John, NB.  Born on October 8, 1944, in Sussex, NB, she was the daughter of the late Stephen and Dorothy (Bagley) Hourihan.

Mary would have been best described as a force of nature.  Mary graduated as valedictorian from both Norton Consolidated School and the St. Joseph’s School of Nursing.  Mary was a leader and an example to staff in the operating room during her 44 years at St. Joseph’s Hospital, the Sussex Health Centre and the Saint John Regional Hospital.  She was an innovator and always strived to be the absolute best at everything she set out to do.  Mary’s quick wit and willingness to go the extra mile is remembered by peers and colleagues.

Mary met the love of her life, Jim, in 1965 and married in 1970. They went on to raise six children together.  She convinced the Saint John North Ender to move to Norton where they spent most of their 54 years.  They loved their life together, their children, their beloved Sacred Heart Church but especially their grandchildren.  Nanny was up for anything - concerts, sliding, playing dress-up or mercilessly beating the kids at a game of 45s.

Mary and Jim loved to travel in their retirement on bus tours, several trips to Ireland with family, trips to Florida in the winter, many trips to Ontario to visit Margaret and family and Mary’s special aunt Marie.  They travelled all over Italy but especially enjoyed the Vatican. 

Mary was an avid gardener.  People would stop by in the spring to ask her about a particular tree in their yard, which pleased her immensely.

Of all the accomplishments and accolades Mary will be best remembered by her family for elaborate Sunday family dinners with all the favourite family recipes, bringing everyone together and for being their anchor and compass.

Mary is survived by her loving children:  Mary Ellen Hanlon (Mauro) of Norton, NB, Stephen Hanlon (Maureen) of Saint John, NB, Peter Hanlon (Mary) of Quispamsis, NB, Margaret Hanlon (Tim) of Campbellville, ON, Maureen Hanlon (Ryan) of Quispamsis, NB and Kathleen Riecken (David) of Hampton, NB; sister Margaret Hourihan (Jennifer); grandchildren:  Rebecca, Laura, Hilary, Bennett, Matthew, Stephen, James, Liam, Connor, Sarah, Charlotte, Ryan and Maggie; brother-in-law Patrick Hanlon (Sharron), sisters-in-law Doreen Marcon and Anne McNamara (Michael); and a large extended family.

In addition to her parents, Mary was predeceased by her husband Jim, brother Leonard and special cousin Fr. Peter Bagley.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid's Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main St, Hampton, NB.  Visitation will be held on Monday, August 31, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. from Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Norton, NB.  Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Mary may be made to the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick, Bobby’s Hospice or to the charity of the donor’s choice.  Personal condolences to the family and charitable donations may be made through: ReidsFH.com