Rosemary Jo (Talbot) Hanley was born on June 11th, 1945, to William Augusta Talbot and Alvira Ruth (Turner/Engle) Talbot. She was the only daughter among 3 brothers and was doted on by her adoring father. She grew up precocious, in a loving extended family, developing an outgoing personality that carried throughout her whole life.
She was drawn to nursing from an early age and after her two sons John and Michael were born, she attended and graduated nursing school. Her nursing career was varied and exciting, taking her from long term care facilities, to engaging in missionary medical work in Nicaragua. Battling cancer 3 separate times herself, she was drawn to oncology where she not only used her personal experiences to help others, but also participated in research projects that would have a lasting impact for decades. She did all of these things while raising her sons on her own, and in later years also caring for her mother.
Her work with hospice and end of life patients over the years was a deeply personal mission for her, and her own final time was spent still giving back to the young nurses who were now caring for her. The young girl in nursing school had now become the teacher, and she was adored by her nursing staff who loved her stories and often asked advice from her. “I never realized I could still be nursing at this age by helping 20-year-old nurses when they ask 80-year-old me questions”
Rosemary had a deep Christian faith and applied it to her daily life, always finding the bright and cheerful side of situations. She enjoyed personal bible study and also found spiritual solace in nature. Where she had previously adored the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee, she fell in love with the Rocky Mountains in the later years of her life. Estes Park and the Denver/Lafayette greater area were a grand and beautiful adventure for her. Her little car nearly didn’t survive her adventures as she put a great many miles down, seeing the wonders of Gods’ mighty hand.
While she requested no public service and to be cremated so that she might “return to the dust of Gods’ earth” she did ask that she be laid to rest in Tennessee with her husband Richard Hanley, whom she described as the greatest love of her life. Her son Michael and grandson John Michael, will honor her by personally making that trip in the near future to return her to the side of the one she loved.
Her last years were spent in the Osceola area, where she was accepted and quickly grew a wonderful circle of friends who will miss her dearly. Evelyn, Melvin, Eedy, and Rella were her close circle of love to the last hour. The family wishes to thank Truman lake Manor and Hospice Compassus for their close care and attention to every detail in Rosemary’s care and passing. She was very grateful for all of her nurses, all of whom she was incredibly proud of.
Rosemary is preceded in death by her parents, William and Alvira, her brothers Michael and Bill and her beloved husband Richard.
Rosemary leaves behind a legacy of service, faith, love and joyous zest for life that will carry on through generations as she is survived by her brother Charlie, children John, Michael, Kim and Jimmy; 7 grandchildren Troy, John Michael, Katie, Kyle, Alyssa, Amanda and Krystal; and 10 great grandchildren; Cassidy, Colton, Shaylynn, Stella, Able, Lilly, Tristan, Ruthy, David and Parker.