Yvette T. (Gautreau) Hanley

Mrs. Yvette T. (Gautreau) Hanley, or “Mimi” as she was lovingly called, of Brighton, passed away surrounded by her family on Sunday, December 31, 2023 at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. The care and warmth provided by the staff of 5 Stoneman was nothing short of extraordinary, reflecting the love her family had for her. She was 99 years old, just shy of her hundredth year.

Yvette was born in Chatham, New Brunswick on September 1, 1924, daughter of the late Edmund and Regina M. (Babineau) Gautreau. Raised in nearby Nelson, she met her husband, fellow New Brunswick native, George Hanley. On Yvette and her twin sister Jacqueline’s 25th birthday, they celebrated love with a double wedding on September 1, 1949, where they each married their beloved. Yvette and George moved to the United States shortly after and settled in Jamaica Plain and then Newton before ultimately making Brighton their home for their 14 children. After years dedicated to ironing Catholic school uniforms, managing household chores, and preparing over a dozen daily school lunches, Yvette felt it was time to return to the workforce. She started her career at Boston College alongside her twin sister in 1979, eventually retiring at the age of 90 in 2014.

Throughout her 99 years, Yvette assumed numerous roles; she was notably a Girl Scout leader, softball coach, and a substitute teacher at Brighton's former Presentation School. Her competitive spirit shone in bowling and curling leagues, and she found joy in board games and card nights, often turning a simple Scrabble or Trouble game into hours of fun. Yvette was known for her stunning crocheted and knitted pieces, which she often gifted to family and friends. She stayed active by attending water aerobics classes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the Oak Square YMCA with her Brighton friends. Her adventurous spirit led her to travel across the United States, Canada, and Europe, and she loved taking local trips to the Esplanade and to Castle Island for Sullivan’s dining or relaxing strolls around the HarborWalk. An avid sports fan, Yvette rooted for the Red Sox and Bruins, but she always had a soft spot for her Canadian teams, the Blue Jays and Maple Leafs. Yvette's unwavering strength, boundless kindness, and vibrant spirit touched the lives of everyone she met, making her a beloved mother figure to many. Her lasting impact ensures she will be cherished in memory and deeply missed.

Of all the things that kept her happy and busy, nothing gave Yvette more joy than her family. Yvette had 14 children, 23 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Despite the large number, she managed to make every individual feel special and loved. On her grandchildren’s 8^th birthdays, Yvette would treat them to tea at the Ritz-Carlton in Boston, visit the “Make Way for Ducklings” sculpture in the Boston Public Garden, and end at the iconic FAO Schwarz toy store to pick out a gift, creating memories for a lifetime. This year, on Yvette’s 99^th birthday, 53 of her family members took her to a Red Sox game, where she was presented with a Verdugo jersey (number 99), signed by the entire Red Sox team – it was an event both she and her family would never forget.

She leaves behind her children, David Hanley (Mary) of West Roxbury, Kevin Hanley of Waltham, Mark Hanley (Catherine) of Framingham, Joan MacKay (Jack) of Nashua, New Hampshire, Roberta LeBlanc (Greg) of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, Marie Kelley (Richie) of Hyde Park, George Hanley, Jr. of Brighton, Elaine Minnehan of Quincy, and Rosemary Hanley of Brighton; her daughters-in-law, Dores Hanley, Elizabeth Hanley, and Denise Hanley; her grandchildren, Keith Hanley, Kerry Roby, Katie Hanley, Greg Hanley, Andrea Gillis, Erin Hanley, Thomas John “TJ” Hanley, Monica Aprile, Kristen Freeman, Elizabeth Salie, Lori MacKay, Emily MacKay, Adrienne Hanley, John Silva, Scott Silva, Derek LeBlanc, Matt Minnehan, Chloe Minnehan, Christopher Minnehan, Nicole Hanley, Michael Hanley, Steven Hanley and Taylor Hanley; 18 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Yvette is reunited in Heaven with her husband, the late George Hanley; her siblings, Rev. Camille Goutreau, her identical twin Jacqueline Mann, Betsy Cowan, Paul Gautreau, Carmela Carens, and Maurice Gautreau; and her children, Clayton, John, Paul, Elizabeth and Joseph Hanley. Yvette's life was a testament to her deep devotion to the Catholic faith, a guiding light that shaped her actions, values, and the love she shared with everyone around her. If you were lucky enough, you may have even received a French blessing from Yvette in her final days.

Family and friends will honor and remember Yvette's life by gathering for calling hours at Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20) Waltham, on Tuesday, January 9 from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning, January 10, before leaving in procession to Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 573 Washington Street, Newton where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. The burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Brighton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Francis House by visiting St. Francis House (stfrancishouse.org) or Franciscan Children’s Hospital by visiting https://franciscanchildrens.org/giving/donate-today/.