Erin Kathryn Malloy Hanley

December 25, 1937 - May 04, 2023

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Obituary For Erin Kathryn Malloy Hanley

Erin Kathryn Noel Malloy Hanley passed away peacefully in her home on May 4, 2023 after a long struggle with Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Erin is predeceased by her parents, Lawrence J. Malloy and Erin A. Malloy, and her husband, Richard T. Hanley. She is survived by her daughter, Erin C. Campbell; her son-in-law, Simon A. Campbell; and her two grandchildren, Kathryn A. Campbell and Richard J. Campbell, of Raleigh, NC.

Erin was born and raised in Washington, DC, where she was educated at Academy of the Holy Cross and Dunbarton College. She went on to receive a Masters of Theology from St. Mary’s College of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN), a Masters of Applied Theology from the French University of Montreal (Montreal, Canada), and a PhD in Philosophy from McGill University (Montreal, Canada). Throughout her graduate studies, Erin taught at St. Mary’s College of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN), Holy Cross Academy (Kensington, MD), and Loyola College (Montreal, Canada). Upon receiving her doctorate, she accepted a teaching position at McGill University, where she taught philosophy and theology in the Department of Religious Studies for many years. During her time in Montreal, Erin met and married the love her life, Richard T. Hanley. If there is such a thing as soulmates, Erin and Richard were just that, as their hearts and minds appeared to complement each other perfectly.

In 1977, Richard’s brother-in-law had a series of health complications, so Erin and Richard moved back to the United States to help take care of him. They settled near Richard’s sister and brother-in-law in Raleigh, NC. In 1978, Erin accepted a teaching position at North Carolina State University (NCSU) in the Department of Multidisciplinary Studies where she taught Environmental Ethics, Science and Civilization, Ethical Dimensions of Progress, and Peace in the Global Village for more than 25 years. She won numerous teaching awards before retiring from NCSU in 2004, just a few months before her husband passed away from cancer. In her grief, Erin decided the only way to move forward was to do the things that Richard and she had planned to do together in their retirement. She turned the heartbreak of her husband’s death into something beautiful every moment that she could. She threw her energy into volunteering at organizations she believed in, participated in environmental and spiritual discussion groups, took continuing education classes from NCSU’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and spent as much time as possible with friends and family.

To Erin, life was about service to others and not a day went by that she did not do something for someone else. She welcomed everyone she met with open arms. She made people feel accepted, valued, appreciated, and understood. She was grateful for the little things that made her life so meaningful. When Lewy body dementia consumed her brain and Parkinson’s crippled her body, she still found ways to express her gratitude and love. Erin’s kindness, intelligence, genuineness, resilience, Irish wit, and tender heart were a unique gift to this world. Her thoughtful presence will remain in our hearts forever, and in acts of kindness. As a final offering of love, Erin has donated her remains to medical research in hopes of advancing science and helping someone else.

A private family ceremony will be held in Erin’s honor followed by a public reception/celebration of life on Saturday, June 24, 2023 from 2:00–5:00pm EST. Please contact Erin Campbell for reception location details at: echncsu@gmail.com

In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully accepts donations in memory of Erin K. Malloy Hanley to:

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Condolences

  • May 13, 2023

    Annette Jay

    Erin, Both your parents were the kindest, most loving and generous folks I ever knew at CGHS! I loved their beautiful smiles and warm hearts. I know you miss them and I'm so thankful you have your precious children to carry on their legacy. We just returned from Ireland late on May 3rd and many times on the trip I thought of your parents and the love they had for their beautiful country. Especially when I heard "When Irish Eyes are Smiling"! Then yesterday I learned of your Mom's passing. I'm so sorry for your loss. I will pray for you as you grieve and hope to attend the memorial reception in June. Much love to you, Annette (and Eddie)

  • May 11, 2023

    Cindy Jennings

    I was beyond lucky to land in Erin's environmental ethics philosophy class when earning my graduate degree at NCSU. She was a brilliant and inspiring professor. The initial academic relationship evolved into a friendship that included Dick and lasted for decades. I have many memories of these two individuals enveloping me with warmth and kindness. At this time of Erin's passing, my sorrow is mixed with gratitude to have known and loved - and been loved by - these two extraordinarily generous people.

  • May 11, 2023

    Michelle

    Erin was the most brilliant and caring woman. We met at SAFEchild and became instant friends. I will forever cherish her memory and be grateful to be in the life of her wonderful daughter, Erin Cecelia, as well as Simon, Kathryn, and Richard. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

  • May 08, 2023

    Claudette Brown

    SIP Ms. Erin, To the family my deepest condolences. I will miss your kind heart and beautiful smile, it was a pleasure caring for you. Claudette♥️

  • May 07, 2023

    Stacy Pollard

    Dear 'Little' Erin - We moved into the house next door to you 40 years ago, and I'm quite sure your parents were the first to welcome us to the neighborhood. Even after I moved away from home, it was always nice to know that my Mom had such wonderful neighbors. My Mom gave me your family news over the years, and I frequently stopped in to visit your Mom when I was home. She was truly one of the most genuine and kind people I knew, along with your father. Their legacy obviously lives on in you and your children.

  • May 06, 2023

    Leslie Bamford

    Dear Erin C., your mother and father were dear friends of mine having met during the time they lived in Montreal. We visited them in Raleigh later, when you were a small child. They radiated everything good about being human, and I treasured keeping in touch with your mother over the years by mail (yes, real mail) and later, email. She and Dick will live on in the hearts of all who loved them. My sincere condolences.

  • May 05, 2023

    Jeanne and David Smoot

    Erin Kathryn Malloy Hanley was all the things her obituary said she was. She was just a sweet, dear lady who had a positive impact on all who knew her. She blessed her family and her community. Sincere condolences to Erin, Simon and Kathryn and Richard from Jeanne and David Smoot Wake Forest

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