Mary E. Hanrahan, age 87 of Merritt Island, FL; longtime Lemmon educator and librarian, passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2008 at the Healthcare Center of Merritt Island, Florida.

The Rosary Service for Mary will be held at 10:30 AM followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM, on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lemmon with Fr Brian Fawcett officiating.

Burial will be at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with Fr Bill Zandri, officiating where she will be placed alongside her husband, Vince Hanrahan.

Serving as casketbearers are Gerald Beutler, Wayne Beutler, Gene Bobier, Bill Ottman, Willard Ottman. Russell Umback.


Mary Esther Hanlon was born April 9, 1921 to Henry and Ida (Sinclair) Hanlon in Sturgis, SD where she attended high school graduating in 1939. She attended Black Hills Teacher's College and graduated in 1942. Teaching was her first passion and she taught in several locations but she always had special memories of her years teaching in Mobridge and Lemmon, SD. Many students were introduced to the joy of Shakespeare through Mary.


On June 30, 1958 Mary and Vince Hanrahan married and lived in Lemmon until Vince's death in 1985. Mary remained in Lemmon and continued working at her second passion: working as the Lemmon Librarian until her retirement. She was named the South Dakota Librarian of the Year in 1997.


In 2002 Mary moved to Merritt Island, Florida to live with her daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter. She entered the Nursing Home in 2006.


Mary was active in 20th Century Women's Club, Kappa Delta and St. Mary's Catholic Church. She enjoyed playing bridge, traveling and received much joy from talking with friends and family. She was well known for her wit and sense of humor, which remained with her until her death.


Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Mary Beth and Gerard Beutler, Merritt Island, FL; granddaughter Amber Beutler of Houston, TX; one sister Thelma (Toots) Mayer of Sturgis,SD/Greeley CO; one niece Mary Lou Bobier of Greeley, CO; three great nephews, one great niece and a vast number of dear friends.


She was preceded in death by her husband Vincent on September 12, 1985; and one brother William (Bud) Hanlon.


Visitation will be Monday, Sept. 1st - 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Evanson-Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon and on Tuesday one hour prior to services at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lemmon.