Ellen Elizabeth Hanley's Obituary
Ellen Coutchie Hanley, longtime resident of Muskegon, Michigan, passed away on February 2, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. William John Hanley Sr., and her son, William John Hanley Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Rochelle Hanley (Shirish Shenolikar); daughter-in-law, Karen Stang Hanley; her six grandchildren, Christopher, Patrick, James and Bethany Hanley, Alexis Hanley-Shenolikar and Trevor McAleenan; and five great grandchildren, Maximillian, John and Quinn Hanley, Roarke and Killian McAleenan.
Ellen was born in Muskegon to Alexis Coutchie and Florence O’Connor. After her mother died when she was twelve, her father moved their family to Texas. Ellen returned to Muskegon where she first met William “Bill” Hanley in high school. They were married in 1947. Ellen and Bill had two children, Rochelle and Bill Jr. They shared their favorite hobbies with their children, sailing, golfing, and skiing.
She worked as a kindergarten teacher in Philadelphia while her husband recovered from tuberculosis. She continued this vocation with a master’s degree from Marquette University, and taught when she moved back to Muskegon, including Community College courses in American History.
Ellen was a Board Member of the Muskegon Community Foundation, Catholic Social Services, United Way, Muskegon County Medical Auxiliary, President of the Board of the Muskegon Service League, President of the Board of the Hackley Art Museum Foundation, and Founder of the Muskegon Junior Great Books program. She was a member of St. Jean's Catholic Church for many years.
Ellen enjoyed a lifetime of playing Duplicate Bridge. She and Bill also enjoyed skiing in Vail and sailing in the Caribbean. She and Bill spent summers at their cottage in Whitehall and winters in Naples, Florida, where they owned a condo for 30 years.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be held 10:30 AM Friday, February 13, 2026 at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (239 West Clay Ave., Muskegon, MI 49440) with Fr. David Sacha presiding. VISITATION will be from 5-7 PM Thursday, February 12, 2026 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. MEMORIALS in memory of Ellen may be directed to the Muskegon Museum of Art or the Ellen E. & William J. Hanley Fund at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County.
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