Kathleen C. Hanlon

Kathleen “Kay” C. (Cahill) Hanlon, 76, of Carmel, Indiana, passed away on March 22, 2026. She was born on December 5, 1949, in Terre Haute, Indiana, to parents, Anthony P. Cahill and Dorothy H. (Rassel) Cahill.

Kay attended St. Patrick’s Elementary School and Schulte High School in Terre Haute, where she was student council vice president, cheerleader, and Homecoming Queen in her senior year. She graduated from Indiana State University majoring in elementary education. While at ISU, Kay was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority as well as president of the ISU Student Union Board. She is listed in “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities”. Her greatest accolade was a big one. Kay was one of four seniors to be recognized for achievement and service to ISU with the Alan C. Rankin award.

She later attended Depauw University, receiving a master’s degree in teaching. For several years, she taught elementary education. The next job she happily took was a lifelong one... mother. She considered this role a very important one and was very proud to do it. She gave her kids her all. Not only was she a loving and nurturing mother, she was an exemplary model of all that is good and respectable. During the years raising kids, she took on roles such as PTO president, a titled volunteer at the American Red Cross, team mom, girl scout leader, and religious ed teacher. She was at every sporting event and activity of her children, playing the supportive mom. The love and support she provided to them was neverending, and they felt that love always.

In later years, she worked as an office manager at RJ Hanlon Co., in which her service/work and dedication was invaluable. When the work was done, she took full advantage of the time she had to be her. That included, not only, being a mom and grandmother “Mimi”, but a friend to MANY people and groups. One of Kay’s numerous hobbies was both nationwide and international traveling. She loved to share these adventures with family and friends. Another hobby which she enjoyed was that of a watercolor artist. She particularly took pleasure in sharing this talent with a group of friends for many years. This fun woman took tap dance and belly dancing lessons. She volunteered at the Palladium for the Arts (mostly to get a free peek at all the unique performances.) She was an active participant at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and practiced her faith every day. She spent the most time being social with new and old friends; those bonded to her from childhood and high school, her North Harbour crew from the days of raising children, and years later, her supportive Fab Five. These were all relationships that she happily nurtured with time, love, and laughter.

Kay fondly spoke of her days growing up in a family of 10 and how that shaped the person she would become. They learned how to share, to have patience, and to be happy with less. All of her siblings have had to share a room with another at some point in their childhood. They had regular chores in which Kay somehow made fun, such as dancing and singing in the kitchen while drying the dishes. Her little sister remembers lying awake in the bed that they shared, gossiping and venting about their days. She was always there to support and advise each one of them. These relationships have carried into adulthood and beyond, and she valued them deeply.

Kay’s true love has always been her family. Just like raising her own kids, Kay put her all into being Mimi to her seven grandchildren. She went to the sporting events. She hosted family dinners. She acted as a role model and a loving supporter, but what her grandchildren remember most about her was her sense of humor, her laughter, and her relentless happiness. They will never forget Mimi waving goodbye to them while dancing in the driveway, just as how she would have wanted to be sent off to heaven.

Through it all, she always had a sense of humor. Laughter and kindness was what she brought to the world, and it never faltered, all the way to the end.

Kay is survived by her children, Robert (Staci) Hanlon Jr and Kristin (Joseph) von Wiegandt; grandchildren, Erin, Claire, Kiley, Kaitlyn Hanlon, and Mary, John, and Riley von Wiegandt; wusband and friend, Robert Hanlon Sr; and 7 siblings, Margie (Steve), Tony (Patricia), Jane (Merle), Patrick (Mary), Timothy (Paula), Mary (Jerry), and Mark (Jennifer).

She was preceded in death by her parents; Anthony P. Cahill and Dorothy H. Cahill.

Visitation for Kay will be from 5:00 pm –7:00 pm on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Flanner Buchanan – Hamilton Memorial Park (Prairie Waters), 4180 Westfield Road, Westfield, IN 46062, with a Rosary Service immediately following at 7:00 pm. Additional Visitation will be from 10 am – 11 am on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 410 South Pearl Street, Cicero, IN 46034, with a Memorial Mass following at 11 am.

Memorial contributions in her name may be made to Good Samaritan, or a charity of your choice.