Esther (Harkie) June (Harkabus) Hanna was born June 14, 1922, in Youngstown, Ohio, to Andrew and Dora Conant Harkabus. She passed away quietly on Easter evening after a life dedicated to her family, friends, and Catholic faith.
She was a Navy veteran of World War II. She attended Chaney High School in Youngstown. Ohio. Esther joined the United States Navy in 1944. She was working at Douglas Aircraft, in California, inspecting rivet work at the time of her enlistment. She attended boot camp at Bronx, New York and Medical Corps School at Bethesda, Maryland. She met her future husband, LeeRoy while both were serving in Bethesda.
Esther was a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 19 in Laurel. After her military service Esther (Harkie) was a homemaker and caregiver. Esther was a dedicated parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Seaford.
She was preceded in death by her parents Andrew and Dora Conant Harkabus; husband LeeRoy P. Hanna, Sr., whom she married in 1947, and who passed in 2012; four sisters, Mary Harkabus, Caroline Hale, Dorothy Rapuk, and Elizabeth Jane Harkabus; and three brothers, Charles, Edward and Robert Harkabus.
Surviving are two sons, Edward S. Hanna, MD and his wife Kathy M. Hanna of Chesapeake, VA, and LTC (Retired) LeeRoy P. Hanna, Jr. and his wife Susan K. Hanna, RN, MPH of Wilmington, NC; a sister, Shirley Gumina of Payne, OH; five grandchildren, Elizabeth L. Hanna of San Diego, CA; Michael A. Hanna of San Marcos, TX; Stacy A. Hanna of Clayton, NC; Nathan A. Hanna and his wife Lyndsay R. Hanna of Raleigh, NC; and Ryan P. Hanna and his wife Jacqueline N. Currie of Brighton, United Kingdom; four great-grandchildren, Blaine and Heidi of Raleigh, NC and Neoma and Cole of Brighton, UK. She is survived by sisters-in-law, Virginia Hanna, Friars Hill, WV and Margaret Hanna, Marietta, OH. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Esther was very dedicated wife, mother, grandparent, caregiver, and friend to all she met. She and LeeRoy lived in Hillsboro, West Virginia from the time of their marriage until 1957 when they made the move to Laurel. There they continued their tradition of gardening and supporting their two boys as they grew up. While the family was growing Esther worked for National Cash Register for many years. She put her medical training to use as she became a longtime care giver for many families in Laurel. As LeeRoy aged, she became his primary caregiver at home.
The family would like to thank the many selfless medical staff members at the Delaware Veterans Home who have cared for her for the past nine years. We would like to particularly thank Jane Mow, NP; her physicians; the nursing staff and therapists; the activities staff, and all who came to know her so well.
A private graveside funeral service took place on Thursday, April 16. The family will have a Mass for her later when the pandemic allows interaction again. Cranston Funeral Home in Seaford, Delaware is providing burial support. In lieu of flowers you are invited to make a contribution to Delaware Veterans Home, 100 Delaware Veterans Blvd, Milford, DE 19963 or to Our Lady Lourdes Catholic Church, 532 E. Stein Hwy, Seaford, DE or St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 506 Seabury Avenue, Milford, DE 19963
To leave a condolence visit www.cranstonfuneralhome.com.