Mary Hanks

Mary Hanks “Granny Mary”, age 59, of Erie, peacefully drifted away to eternal life on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 after an extended illness.

She was born in Erie on December 8, 1958, a daughter of the late Margaret Levandowski & Arthur Hanks.

Mary was a 1976 graduate of East High School.  In 1975, while still in school, Mary began working at Erie Insurance Group.  During her 43 years with the company, Mary became one of the true pillars of the organization.  She was very proud to be an employee and always walked the halls with a smile and a heartfelt greeting.  She was known by so many for her positive attitude and countless acts of service towards her fellow employees and her community.   Mary was often at the helm of charitable committees, fundraisers and activity planning groups.  If one was looking to donate time, money, self or goods, Mary had a connection for you.  Mary was selfless and passionate in all that she did and she treasured her Erie family.  She was also a longtime member of the Insurance Professionals of NWPA, March of Dimes, Relay for Life, Light the Night, activities sponsored by the American Cancer Society, EIGEAA and devotedly sold and delivered Avon for many years. Through the countless lives she has inspired, Mary’s legacy of kindness will continue to radiate throughout the organization she loved so dearly.

Mary will forever be known as the life of the party; the friend we all would like to have; the one who always nurtured; the heart that would always love.  She was so many things to so many people.  She enjoyed social events, day trips, beach vacations, her Dallas Cowboys and time with her beloved son, James, and grandson, Jamari, whom she adored. Undoubtedly, Mary’s most cherished gifts in life were her friends and family.  Mary truly valued those she loved. She celebrated other’s happiness as her own happiness.  She fundamentally believed that everything was to be celebrated in life.  Her energy was contagious.  She was a rock to so many; always willing to help when needed and offer her support in any way she could.  Mary was truly a beautiful soul full of happiness, joy, kindness, love and laughter. 

Mary was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her best friend and partner of over 20 years, Mike Spain, her son, James Williams and her grandson, Jamari Williams.   She is further survived by her sisters, Ruth Ettwein (Joe), Karen Sulewski (Walter “Sonny”) and a brother, George Hanks (Robin), her Aunt, Jean Coffee, and many nieces and nephews and honorary “grandchildren.”  Mary also leaves behind many cherished friends.

Friends may call at the Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, 602 W 10th St., Erie, PA 16502, on Sunday, June 3 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. until the time of service at 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials gifts can be made in honor of Mary Hanks to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 333 East Carson Street, Suite 441, Pittsburgh PA 15219; or The Anna Shelter, 1555 E 10^th Street, Erie, PA  16511.  Donations of blood and platelets are also appreciated. Visit the local Blood Bank at 2646 Peach St, Erie PA for information.  Bone marrow can be donated through BetheMatch.org. The link for Mary Hanks’s LLS team fundraising page is http://pages.lightthenight.org/wpa/ErieCo18/maryhanks

Send condolences to www.burtonfuneralhome.com.

“Be the one who nurtures and builds.  Be the one who has an understanding and forgiving heart.  One who looks for the best in people.  Leave people better than you found them.”