Marilyn Joan Hanna

Marilyn Joan Hanna, devoted, caring, and nurturing wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and professional nurse passed away at La Vida Llena Retirement Community in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Thursday, July 13, 2023.

Marilyn was born in Terre Haute, Indiana to Mr. Keith and Mrs. Geneva Spencer on October 14, 1930. After graduating from Garfield High School in 1948, she pursued a career in nursing. Marilyn studied at Indiana University School of Medicine and received a Graduate Nurse degree in 1953. She also attended Indiana State Teachers College and was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 1955. After several years of caring for others while serving as a Registered Nurse, she returned to Indiana University and received a Master of Nursing Education degree in 1962. During these years in Indiana, she also developed a love for auto racing, spent some time racing sports cars on weekends, and remained a lifelong Indy 500 fan.

In 1962, she moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico and began serving on faculty at the University of New Mexico. Almost immediately, she fell in love with the Land of Enchantment and quickly acclimated to life in the southwest. In August of 1963, Marilyn married Jack R. Hanna and in September of 1965 gave birth to their only child, Joe. After taking time for family from 1965-1970, Marilyn returned to the workforce as a nurse for the Albuquerque Public Schools, having passionately served and cared for many students, especially those with special needs, from 1970 to 1990. Upon her retirement in 1990, she and her husband Jack loved to travel across the U.S. and Canada in their recreational vehicle, play golf, and visit with friends and family. Her family, especially her grandchildren, were her pride and joy. They remember her as "Halloween Grandma" because of her love for visiting them during the holiday and sharing in all of the costumes and festivities.

Marilyn is survived by her brother, Dave Spencer of Cheyenne, WY; son, Joe Hanna (Amy) of Auburn, AL; and her grandchildren, Mark Hanna of Savannah, GA and Sara Hanna of Auburn, AL. A memorial service honoring the life of Marilyn Hanna will be held on a date in the future.

The family extends a special thanks to the caring and dedicated staff at La Vida Llena, who provided outstanding care for Marilyn until her death. Anyone wishing to donate in Marilyn's name may do so to La Vida Llena Full Life Foundation, 10501 Lagrima de Oro NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111.