Joan Kathryn (Greene) Hanlon

Joan Kathryn (Greene) Hanlon, the beloved wife of Philip P. Hanlon, passed away peacefully in the presence of her loving family Dec. 29, 2010 at her home in Fallbrook, Calif., after experiencing a long illness. She was born January 17, 1928 in Winthrop, Mass. and attended both Boston and Emerson College and worked for the New England Power Co. in Boston before being hired on as an airline stewardess with American Airlines.

Joan and Philip were introduced in 1953 by Joan’s brother, Arthur Greene, and were married at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Fresno on April 24, 1954. They took up residence in Southern California, where they raised their five children. Joan was a devout Roman Catholic and an active member in her parish. She enjoyed cooking, swimming and diving, studying theology, and travel. Her passion for travel led her and Philip to Ireland, England, the Holy Land, Greece, and throughout North America.

Joan was very artistic and had a natural talent for painting with both oil and acrylics. Her favorite scenes to depict were seashores of both Massachusetts and California. Joan loved family life and all the excitement that it brought, including 4-H projects and fairs, football and basketball, drama clubs, PTA and CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine).

Joan and her husband Philip celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary in April 2010. They lived in Orange, Calif. for 32 years, and then spent the last five years in Fallbrook, living close to three of their daughters who reside in the San Diego area.

She is survived by her loving husband, Philip; children Maureen Taylor, Kevin Hanlon, Elaine Hanlon, Laura Hanlon and Denise Lindgren. She was blessed with 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and one on the way. Joan’s surviving siblings are Carol Driscoll, Richard Greene, Robert Greene and Ann Cole.

A visitation is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. with vigil service at 6:30 p.m. at Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Mortuary. A mass will be held Saturday, Jan. 8 at noon at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Fallbrook. Private burial will be held at Mission San Luis Rey Cemetery.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association of San Diego 6632 Convoy Ct., San Diego, CA 92111 in memory of Joan Kathryn Hanlon.