Dr. Cecile C. (Cantrell) Hanley

Announcing the Death of Dr. Cecile C. Hanley Ph.D. June 16, 1934 – February 07 2022 of Medford, NJ. The beloved wife of John P. Hanley who died April 24 2021 loving mother of Ian Hanley and Christopher Hanley and the proud grandmother of Claire E. Hanley and Lauren M. Reyes. Cecile was born in Brooklyn to Thomas and Cecile Cantrell.

Dr. Hanley was a life-long learner who from early childhood sought to educate herself beyond her peers.  A woman of courage, she was one of 30 women to attend Columbia in 1956 where she earned a BA in theater arts.  She continued towards a Master of Arts from Hunter College 1960.  As soon as her children, Cristopher and Ian, were able to attend school, she returned  to her educational path and earned a PhD in Philosophy from Temple University.   She was a scholar of Milton, and could speak and read both old English and Latin.  Throughout her life she remained committed to women’s issues in education and all the realms in which women were and are experiencing challenges.

In her professional life, Doctor Hanley was a professor at Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey), a Dean of special services at William Paterson University, and Assistant to the President at Hudson County Community College. 

Her personal life reflected her commitment to the arts.  She was a life-long lover and supporter of opera and an international traveler visiting, symphony halls, museums, and  other sites reflecting both her personal and professional interests.

In her later years, post-retirement, Dr. Hanley coached and tutored disadvantaged students in their pursuit of their dreams of college and beyond.   Her life was one of dedication to others and personal fulfillment.  She will be missed by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Cecile C. (Cantrell) Hanley, please visit our floral store.