Joan A. (Buckley) Hanley, 89, of North Reading, formerly of Burlington, Stoneham and West Roxbury, passed away peacefully at Winchester Hospital on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on June 24, 1937, Joan was the beloved daughter of the late John and Julia (Sullivan) Buckley. She spent most of her life in West Roxbury, where she attended and graduated from Catholic school.
Joan enjoyed a long and dedicated career as a buyer and telephone operator, working for Polaroid, Lahey Clinic, and Coldwell Banker.
For the past 12 years, Joan made her home in North Reading. She attended St. Theresa’s Church in North Reading and was a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Wakefield. Her Catholic faith was a constant source of strength and guided the way she lived her life.
Above all else, Joan was a devoted and loving mother who cherished her family. She was courageous, compassionate, welcoming, a wonderful listener, and a steadfast advocate for those she loved. She delighted in spending time with her grandchildren, traveling with her sisters, golfing, playing cards, watching classic television shows, and shopping for Christmas. An avid reader, Joan embraced life with gratitude, faith, and joy.
She is lovingly survived by her children: Walter Hanley, Daniel Hanley, Timothy Hanley, Catherine Hanley, Karen Hanley-Maki, and Joanne Hanley. She also leaves her brothers, Michael Buckley and William Buckley; her 11 cherished grandchildren; and 10 beloved great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her brothers Patrick, John, Thomas, Joseph, and Timothy Buckley, and her sisters Mary (Buckley) Austin and Sheila (Buckley) Shruhan.
Her Funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Tuesday, July 7 at 9:15 AM, followed by a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. Calling hours will be held on Monday from 4 to 7 PM. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Stoneham.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joan’s memory to the Columban Fathers, 65 Ferry Road, P.O. Box 65, Bristol, RI 02809.
To The.Ruschioni Family & Dear Friends, We are so truly sorry for the loss all of you are going through. May you keep all of your happiest moments, wonderful memories close to your heart and know he will always watch over you each & everyday. Hearts & Prayers are with you all. RIP
Joan, I had the pleasure of being part of your life for many years we had alot of good laughs together. Your children were truly blessed to have a mother as special as you. I will say you were one of my favorite clients for years. You are truly going to be missed REST IN PEACE you will be missed. ❤️❤️