Virginia M. Hanlon

Mrs. Virginia M. Hanlon, 95, of Chatham, Illinois passed to joyous life beyond at 1:30 am on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois. She was blessed to have passed peacefully while surrounded by her children.  She led an extraordinary life as an actress and mother, and in so many other roles, and will be missed by many.

She was born on December 4, 1919 in New Haven, Connecticut, the daughter of Harold J. and Helen G. Ford Maddocks. Each of her parents preceded her in death, as did her brothers, George E. Maddocks, Harold J. Maddocks, Jr., and Robert F. Maddocks.  As the oldest sibling and “big sister”, Virginia had helped to raise her brothers, and missed them terribly after they departed this earth.

 In 1955, she met the love of her life, William George Hanlon of Galesburg.  They were married on September 1, 1956 in Guilford, Connecticut. Sadly, he preceded her in death after barely two years together, on September 4, 1958.

From this union, however, Virginia joyfully brought into this world two children, to whom she gave so much in terms of strength and life lessons.  Her son, John Jeremiah Hanlon of Chatham, and daughter, Jinia H. Hanlon of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, both proudly survive her.

She also loved spending time with her 6 grandchildren, each of whom she was also very proud.  Grandchildren Alyson Joy Hanlon (Stephenson), Claire Elise Kervin, Jessica Lynn Hanlon, Sarah Kathryn Kervin, Meredith Anne Kervin, and William James Hanlon also all survive her, as do her 2 beloved great-grandchildren, Leah Rose Stephenson and Jack Robert Stephenson.

Virginia was before her time as an independent and strong woman.  After graduating from Hunter College High School in New York, Virginia ventured out on her own to become an actress in New York in the late 1930’s.  She attended the Feagin School of Dramatic Art, and ultimately reached the pinnacle of her profession by performing in several Broadway shows, as well as many other theatrical venues across the country.  She performed with the biggest stars of the day, including Vincent Price, Mickey Rooney, Walter Matthau, Jessica Tandy, Ruth Gordon, Eileen Heckart, Nancy Kelly, Robert Horton, Ozzie Davis, Ruby Dee, and many others.  

One of her proudest professional accomplishments was traveling on a ship to England during World War II to perform for troops there.

Virginia lived in and around New York for nearly 35 years.  After moving to Galesburg in the early 1970’s, Virginia worked for Tucker-Swanson realtors for 13 years.  She also attended Carl Sandburg College in her 40’s and early 50’s.  She was a member of the Central Congregational Church in Galesburg. 

After moving to Chatham, she continued her educational endeavors by attending Lincoln Land College in Springfield. She attended Christ Episcopal Church in Springfield.

Funeral services will be at 1:30PM Friday, March 20, 2015 at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel with Rev. Greg Tournoux officiating.  Graveside proceedings will follow, with all invited to attend.  There will be no visitation.  Burial will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg.  Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.  Online condolences may be left at www.h-p-w.com.