Barbara J. Hanlon

Barbara J. Hanlon, 101,  formerly of Rochester,MN  and rural Stewartville,MN died on Monday (June 1,  2020) of  natural causes at the Charter House in  Rochester.

Barbara Jane Benedict was born on March  9,  1919 in Rochester,MN  to Dr. William Lemuel Benedict and Edith(Betz) Benedict. She grew up in Rochester and attended school there,  graduating from Rochester H.S. in 1937.  She then attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, a tradition in her family,  where  she  received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and later attended graduate school in Ontario. She enlisted into the Red Cross, serving overseas during WWII.  Barbara  was married on November 6, 1948  in Rochester to Dr. David Hanlon.  Following their marriage the couple lived in Rochester before moving  to rural Stewartville in 1973 where they lived in their newly built country home on the beautiful Root River for many years.   They raised and rode their many horses and Barbara also loved their dogs – Frosty, Tuffy, Tipper and Willie.  Barbara and Doc traveled the world and often had friends from far off places stay with them in their country home.  During the last decade of her life, Barbara was a committed participant in Mayo Clinic’s longevity study and honored that commitment by donating her body and brain as anatomical gifts to be studied as her final contribution to humanity.

Barbara was a devoted grandmother to her 5 grandchildren and crazy about her little great-grandson, Wolfgang.  She was extremely close to her sister’s   children -  Janet(Frank) Shriver,  Mary(Bob) Kirby and Bill(Donna) Usher and their families.

Barbara is survived by  her daughter – Nancy Hanlon of  Lake City;  5 grandchildren -   Ginger Fride, Matthew Fride, Sam Hanlon, Brittany Walker and Jeanne Walker.  She was preceded in death by her husband Dr. David Hanlon, her son – John, her parents and her sister - Virginia Benedict Usher.                   .      

A time of visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 to 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday(June 23, 2020) at Griffin-Gray F.H. in Stewartville,MN.  A private  burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray F.H. in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Barbara are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com          

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