Kathryn Hanlon, beloved teacher and cherished family matriarch, was born on August 14, 1951, in Austin, Texas. She peacefully passed away on August 28, 2025, in Galveston, Texas, surrounded by the love of her family.
A dedicated educator for over 30 years, Kathryn taught at Port Neches-Groves High School, where she inspired countless students with her passion for learning and commitment to their growth. Her educational journey was marked by her time at Clear Creek High School and the pursuit of two Master’s Degrees from Lamar University.
Kathryn was not only an advocate for education but also a proud parishioner of St. Charles Catholic Church. She held deep ties to her faith and community, which she embraced with open arms and a loving heart. Her warmth extended beyond the classroom and church, as she cherished family time above all else. She possessed a vibrant personality, delighting in the joys of life which included watching sports, particularly cheering for the Houston Astros, reading books, solving puzzles, and playing board games with family and friends.
Among her proudest accomplishments, Kathryn raised chickens, a reflection of her nurturing spirit and connection to the earth. She treasured every moment spent with her family, including her husband, Jerry Hanlon, of Port Neches, with whom she shared a lifetime of love.
She is survived by her mother, Rosemary Ream; sons, Michael Hanlon and his wife, Marcella, of Groves, and Mark Hanlon and his wife, Penny, of Orange; daughter, Jennifer Petitjean and her husband, Kevin, of Orange; grandchildren, Tyler Hanlon and his wife, Abbie, Tristan Guy, Michael and his wife, Jessica Guy, Alexis Hanlon, Hunter Hanlon, Hayden Petitjean, Nolan Petitjean, and Mason Petitjean; and great-grandchildren, Lennyn Guy, Maverick Guy, Vivian Rae Hanlon and Brynlee Mae Hanlon. Her brother, Robert Carroll, and his wife, Tami, also carry her memory forward.
Kathryn was preceded in death by her father, William Carroll, whose legacy she honored in her own life.
A visitation to honor Kathryn’s life will be held on September 2, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home, 2001 Nall Street, Port Neches, Texas 77651. A Mass to honor Kathryn will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, beginning at 10:30 am at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 2006 Nall Street, Port Neches, Texas.
Her remarkable spirit and undying love will be missed by all who knew her, but her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, woven into the fabric of their lives.