Barbara Hanley passed away peacefully on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 20, 1936, at Babies Hospital in New York City to Mary and Martin Collins. Barbara grew up nearby in the “Heights,” at 511 167th Street, and attended St. Rose of Lima Grammar School, where her deep and abiding faith was nurtured. She went on to Aquinas High School and then Fordham University, where she earned her B.A. in Education.
She met the love of her life, William (Bill) Hanley, also from the Heights. They were married for 49 years, until Bill’s passing in August 2007. They settled in Riverdale, where they were active parishioners at St. Gabriel Church and lovingly raised their family.
Barbara was a dedicated and hardworking woman who embraced many roles throughout her life. She spent the majority of her professional career teaching and working in healthcare administration, caring for renal transplant patients with skill and compassion. In her retirement, she wrote a book, Bits and Pieces of an Unfinished, and this added author to her list of roles. However, her most cherished roles were as a wife, mother, and as a Nana.
A devoted Catholic, Barbara lived her life following the teachings of the corporal works of mercy. Her concern for others was evident in her family and friends alike. She welcomed all into her home, where her door was always open, and she was always ready with a cup of tea and a bit of chocolate.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, William; her sons, William and Christopher; and her sister-in-law, Cindy Collins, and brother-in-law, Donald Moss. Barbara is survived by her sons, Mark (Deb), Martin (Courtney), and Matthew (Samantha), and was the proud and cherished grandmother of seven: Connor, Victoria, Madeline, Meghan, Kayla, Benjamin, and Matthew — the great joy of her life.
She is also survived by her brother, Garry Collins; her sister-in-law, Mary Moss; and her nieces and nephews: Garry T. Collins (Megan), Robert Collins (Shannon), Christopher Collins (Kate), Kathleen Moss, Tommy Moss, and Jimmy Moss (Mary Anne), along with many great-nieces, great-nephews, and dear friends whom she considered chosen family.’
In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to Jansen Hospice and Palliative Care https://give.jansenhospice.org/give/476388/#!/donation/checkout
Jansen Hospice
1129 Westchester Ave
White Plains, New York 10604 US
9147876158
Condolences(14)-
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Aldo S. Domínguez says
February 19, 2026 at 11:31 pmI met you at 14 years old in Dr. Hardy’s office and a relationship, a friendship developed. I’m glad we kept in touch through the years, but truly grateful we got together for memorable lunch on January 20, 2024 with Lynn, Lai Har and Cathy. A priceless memory that I’ll cherish of a remarkable human being. You’ll never be forgotten. Thank you Barbara ❤️ and Rest in Peace.
JeanMarie Sanders says
February 20, 2026 at 6:53 amBarbara, you and the Hanleys have meant so much to the Herman family. From our early days at St Gabes to our high school and college days and into adulthood. You have always been like a mother to us. You dropped everything at a moment’s notice to help with treatment options when both our dad and mom got sick. You were there to help Steve and all of us find our way. I will always cherish the time we spent together, our dinners at Rosie’s, our walks, discussions about your latest books, and our talks about the Hanleys and the Hermans. You were always kind, caring and empathetic and will be remembered fondly. I am crying but also smiling as I write this. Always felt odd calling you Barbara as we were raised to address you as Mrs. Hanley. So I am going to close by saying thank you, Mrs. Hanley for always being there for me, my brother Steve, who I know was always like another son to you, and the whole Herman family. Your kindness knows no bounds and you will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hanley family. God speed, Mrs. Hanley.
Maureen Beitscher says
February 20, 2026 at 1:05 pmMy prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
God Bless, Mrs. Beitscher
Susan Kotcher says
February 20, 2026 at 9:33 pmMay you find comfort in the love and support of those around you. With deepest sympathy.
Larry Coppey says
February 21, 2026 at 12:47 pmOur family’s oldest friend and a supremely important person in my life is gone and a brilliant light is dark. Those whose lives are better for having known her are countless.
James Harper says
February 21, 2026 at 8:16 pmBarbara Hanley was a nurturer and and caregiver virtually her entire life; thrust into adulthood at the tender age of 16, following the untimely death of her father, she embraced the role, and flourished in proving the the age old proverb that :”what doesn’t kill you, makes your stronger”:.
Her early assocation with the priests at St. Rose of Lima, particularly with the Pastor, Msgr. Curran, inculcated a llife-long affinity to, and affection for the Catholic cleargy, recognizing their innate humanity, as well as their role as ministers of the faith.
It helped develop her acute sense of “the other”, starting with her now widowed mother, her younger brother Garry, and lasting through her entire adult life. Her love and care of husband and family grew to include the larger world around her, as friend and caregiver, and later, as patient advocate for many years in the transplant uni at St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital Center. She learned from an early age to embrace adversity, with courage and faith, and always, with great optimism and a smile.
She was a great source pf practical advice, and encouragement, paving our move to Riverdale and St/ Gabriel’s Parish, some forty years ago, and later imparting great personal wisdom to me, on a number of occasions, e.g. “just keep your mouth shut”, & done with warmth & humor.
To say we loved and admired her would be an understatement; we will not see the likes of her intelligence and care of otheres, again in our lifetime.
Sending condolences to Garry, to Mark, Martin, Matthew, & their families…Jim & Mary Harper
Wilson Martinez says
February 22, 2026 at 9:24 pmFrom Deacon Wilson Martinez & family we pray for her PAZ
Heather Carew says
February 22, 2026 at 11:37 amThe summer of 1994 will always be indelibly linked in my heart to Barbara and the Hanley family. Your kindness and warmth in giving me a “home away from home” is something which has given me lifetime memories. More than 30 years have passed but Barbara’s motherly spirit is still fresh in my mind.
Please accept my sincerest condolences on her passing.
Heather Carew (Tipperary, Ireland and now Novara, Italy)
Aisling White says
February 23, 2026 at 8:51 amBarbara will be so missed. Thinking of you Martin, Mark, Matt & families. Barbara welcomed me and my friend, Heather, to your home in Riverdale in the summer of ’94. It was a most memorable few months and Barbara was caring, straight talking, funny, a wealth of knowledge and family hisitory and someone it was so easy to connect with. It was a privilege to have spent time with her. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam. All the best, Aisling
Gail Healy Burns says
February 23, 2026 at 10:52 amTo Mark, Martin, Matthew, Deborah, Courtney, Samantha and the entire Hanley and Collins family, I want to offer my deepest condolences. I am away, so unfortunately will not be able to attend the services.
I feel so lucky to have grown up at 525 and to know Mrs. Hanley my whole life. She was an amazing person and an inspiration. Her quiet strength was only matched by her warmth and kindness. She was one of the moms that would look out for us gang of kids. I have so many happy memories of her, from organizing and running rehearsals for our Christmas pageant to hosting many parties, including a building Kindergarten graduation party ( Miss Mullins attended!) and many Christmas Eve parties. The Hanley apartment was a hub for kids, friends, teachers, priests and many Hanley aunts, uncles and cousins ( Mrs. Collins/Nana, Pop Pop, Uncle Gary, Aunt Cindy, and Uncle PJ to name a few).
Your mother was always involved in so many things, and somehow made it all look easy. I believe she was the first and only (for a long time) woman on our coop board. She was one of the moms who volunteered her time at St. Gabriel School, and she was once a substitute teacher in my class! When Mark was learning to drive, she took the ride early every morning (with a bunch of us tired and cranky teenagers) to Sacred Heart so Mark could drive and save us from taking the bus. When my sister was sick, she visited her in the hospital. There are so many stories…
Since moving, I haven’t seen Mrs. Hanley regularly but on different occasions when I did see her, it was always wonderful to catch up and I loved seeing her smile! Barbara Hanley was a special person and I know she went straight to Heaven. Sending hugs to all that loved her!
Bob & Louise Gontcharuk says
February 23, 2026 at 11:42 amWe are so sorry for your loss of your mother, sister and grandmother. A great and very special woman who we will never forget. May she be resting in peace with dear Bill and may you all be consoled knowing that. God bless you all.
With love & prayers,
Bob and Louisr
Christine Black says
February 23, 2026 at 1:56 pmI will always remember your Mother’s wit, kindness, and empathy. Please accept my condolences. Christine Goban Black
Mary Fran Stamm says
February 23, 2026 at 2:28 pmMrs.Hanley oh how lucky we were to know you at St. Gabriel’s. Back in 1971 you’d save me books about Madeline! There you were in the St. Gabriel’s library recommending just the right book to the first grade students as I’m sure you did for all the other classes at St. Gabes. I am an avid reader to this day and credit you, Mrs, Hanley for my love of books. I remember being at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital back in 2011, and hearing someone call out, “is that you, Mary Hage?” There you were in the lobby with your great smile! Rest in peace, Mrs, Hanley. You can count me in on the long list of people whose life you impacted.❤️❤️❤️❤️
Laura N Ryan says
February 24, 2026 at 9:03 pmSincere condolences to all in the Hanley family. While I did not see Barbara on many occasions over the years, her beautiful spirit stayed with me long after seeing her My Aunt Rita Ryan spoke so fondly and so often of Barbara that you could tell they were inseparable in their deep friendship. I’m comforted to know that they are together once again in a beautiful and beloved place smiling and laughing and telling hysterical nursing stories. All best, Laura N. Ryan
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