Ellen Jean Hanichen's Obituary
Ellen Jean Hanichen, age 93, passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at American House Senior Living Center. She was born October 15, 1930 in Sturgis, MI to Carrol “Tommie” and Naomi (Bailey) Tompkins. Ellen attended Sturgis Schools from kindergarten through high school graduation and was proud to have attended Kalamazoo College where she received her Bachelor of Education Degree in 1952. Ellen married C. William Hanichen on December 29, 1951 in Sturgis, MI and after traveling to and from Chicago by train for their honeymoon, the young couple soon started their careers in education and raising a family. After stops in Burr Oak, Mendon, and Quincy, MI, Ellen and Bill packed up their 3 young boys, Matt, Andy and Joe and headed north to their new home in Norton Township (pre- “Shores”). The beginning of the Mona Shores School District coincided with the Hanichen Family’s arrival. After a 3-year period as a stay-at-home mom, Ellen began a long career at Maple Grove and then Mona Shores Middle School, mainly as an eighth-grade math teacher. Over the years, her family was often told by friends and strangers alike how “Mrs. Hanichen” had been their favorite teacher. Upon retiring in 1990, Ellen and Bill wintered in Venice, FL, where they maintained and made many new friends. Ellen and Bill were longtime active members of St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Norton Shores. Ellen was also a big supporter of the Westshore Symphony Orchestra. She was a volunteer for the Reeths-Puffer Schools “Adopt A Reader” Program. Ellen loved to play bridge with her group of friends and was an avid reader of all types of books. She had a great sense of humor and would often make others laugh and brighten their day. Ellen and Bill loved to travel and made many trips to New York City to attend numerous Broadway Productions. Ellen was a gracious host and very welcoming and inviting to everyone. She had a gift of being a great listener who anyone could talk to. Ellen was very supportive of her family and often put other’s needs before her own. She was a perpetual “mother and teacher” who always empowered her students and anyone she met to their highest potential – a trait that will long be remembered by all who knew and loved her. Survivors include her 3 sons, Matt (Colleen) Hanichen, Andy (Karen) Hanichen, Joel (Judy) Hanichen, 11 grandchildren, Molly (Brian) Dutkiewicz, Abby (Tripp) Wade, Jennifer (Mark) Zanoli, Ryan Nichols, Jon (Leslie) DeMent, Nicole (George) Tsiolis, Jon (Lindsey) Hanichen, Scott Hanichen, Anastasia Hahn, Ian Hahn, Nikki (Mark) Alkama; and 14 great-grandchildren. Ellen was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, C. William Hanichen in 2020; her parents and her only sister, Ann Krum. The Hanichen Family would like to acknowledge the staff of American House Senior Living and Gentiva Hospice for the genuine concern and care that Ellen received in her last years. A Memorial Service will be held 11:30 AM Saturday, May 11, 2024 at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church (1200 Seminole Road, Norton Shores, MI 49441). Visitation will be held 10:00AM – 11:30AM on Saturday prior to the service at church. Memorial Contributions may be directed to Mona Shores Education Foundation or St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church. Arrangements handled by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Sign the online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
What’s your fondest memory of Ellen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ellen?
Share a story where Ellen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ellen you’ll never forget.
How did Ellen make you smile?
