On Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, Hanley made her final rounds of delivering mail in Burien’s Three Tree Point neighborhood, where she was stopped and surprised by a group of appreciative residents who gave her gifts, flowers and lots of love.
Known for her professionalism, friendliness, and extra care, Hanley has served the challenging Three Tree Point area for the past five or six years, navigating narrow roads, steep staircases, and the occasional excitable dog with grace. Her consistent commitment to local residents, even through the trials of the pandemic, has endeared her to the community.
Residents led by Connie Davolt held a special celebration to honor Hanley’s service in the rain near the corner of Maplewild Avenue SW and SW 172nd Street. Neighbors contributed gifts of flowers, balloons, cards, and gift cards, with many chipping in for a Trader Joe’s gift card to show their appreciation for her years of dedicated service.
“She’s been here through everything—pandemic, illnesses, celebrations, sorrows and more,” Davolt said, recalling how Hanley once gathered shirts for her to use to sew masks out of during the height of the pandemic. “She really goes above and beyond.”
Hanley is also beloved by neighborhood dogs, who often race to her truck for biscuits and ear scratches.