Mary E. "Betty" (Tessier) Hanlon of Melrose, formerly of Watertown & Somerville, passed away at the Benchmark Senior Living in Woburn on August 21, 2018. She was 93 years of age. Beloved wife of 53 years to the late Harold J. Hanlon. Loving mother of Harold J. Hanlon Jr. & his wife Judy of Chatham, William B. Hanlon & his wife Mary of Melrose, John F. Hanlon & his wife Patricia of NY and the late infant son Robert "Robbie" Hanlon. Cherished grandmother of Jennifer Hanlon Wilde & her husband Thomas of OR, Emily Hanlon & her husband Nathaniel Cook of Salem, Timothy Hanlon & his wife Kristine, Colleen Sutton & her husband Andrew all of NY, Kevin Hanlon & his wife Rebecca of Woburn, Robert Hanlon & William Hanlon both of Melrose. Proud great grandmother of Harry, Theo, Betty, Max & Jack. Sister of the late Joan VanTassel & Everett R. Tessier Jr. Also survived by several loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Before marriage, Betty worked at Stone and Webster and at Simplex Timer Recorder Company in administrative positions. After her husband's passing, she took on the role of Director of Volunteers at Middlesex County Hospital in Waltham for approximately ten years, after having volunteered there herself for many years while caring for her mother and father who were patients there. More recently, as an elder, she worked at the Melrose Wakefield Hospital in the Gift Shop, another volunteer position. Among her many interests, Betty was a passionate and up-to-date sports fan, especially watching such tennis greats as Roger Federer and Serena Williams. She also closely followed professional golf, alternating her allegiance between Rory and Jordan depending on her mood. And, of course she was a long-suffering Red Sox fan who delighted in all their recent championships. Additionally, she enjoyed movies, her daily crossword puzzle, and was an avid reader, especially of detective stories. A lifelong proud Democrat, she was an ardent follower of politics and greatly relished asserting her liberal views into many lively political discussions! She loved travelling at home and abroad - her favorites being her many years as a "snowbird" in Indian Shores, Florida, and some very memorable trips with family members to England, Ireland, and France. But most importantly, she loved her family members and friends and cherished her time spent with them always! Her youthful spirit, modern approach, keen mind, generosity, enthusiasm, sense of fun, and her incomparable warmth and laughter will be fondly remembered and greatly missed. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Saturday morning August 25, 2018 from 8:30-10:30AM, Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St. Wakefield at 11:00AM. Interment at Cambridge Cemetery in Cambridge. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. Mary supported many charities so in lieu of flowers please make a donation in her name to your favorite charity.