Gertrude E. (Bowden) Hanley

Cumberland - Gertrude E. (Bowden) Hanley, 97, of Cumberland, died Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at home. She was the loving wife of the late Raymond F. Hanley. They were married for 54 years.

Born in Pawtucket, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Charlotte (Ashley) Bowden. Gertrude was a graduate of Central Falls High School, where she thoroughly enjoyed her work as secretary to the principal for ten years. She had resided in Cumberland since 1963.

Mrs. Hanley was a preschool teacher at Pied Piper Children's Center in Cumberland and later served as the director of The Children's Center in Pawtucket for many years before retiring. She was a Girl Scout troop leader and had a keen interest in visiting historic sites throughout the Northeast with her husband and daughters.

Gertrude enjoyed knitting, watching the birds at the feeder outside her window, and reading voraciously. But most of all, she loved the time she spent with her family, especially caring for her grandchildren.

She is survived by three daughters, Robin L. Wilkinson, and her husband Lester, of Augusta, Maine, Karen L. Longest, and her husband Thomas, of Cumberland, and Sheryl Hanley Skinner, and her husband Robert, of North Smithfield; eight grandchildren, Matt Wilkinson, Sean Wilkinson, Scott Wilkinson, Jared Wilkinson, Caitlyn Longest, Tyler Longest, Megan Skinner, and Cole Skinner; and two great-grandchildren, Elowyn Wilkinson and Calvin Wilkinson. She was the sister of the late Marion Luby, her best friend for 92 years. She is also survived by her sister's daughter, Jo-Ann Waltz and her husband Stephen of Burrillville, along with many other nieces and nephews.

Gertrude's family would like to thank Care New England's VNA Hospice Services, especially Sheri and Jen, for their wonderful care. Thanks also to the Cumberland Public Library's Homebound Program, which introduced her to books that made her life richer and librarians who became friends.

Her burial at Diamond Hill Cemetery, Cumberland will be private and there will be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Cumberland Public Library Homebound Program, 1464 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI 02864 To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.bellowsfuneralchapel.com.  Arrangements are with Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln. 

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