Dianne M. (Jenkins) Hansbury

Dianne Hansbury (née Jenkins), beloved mother, devoted wife, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on July 15th at Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston, surrounded by her cherished family. She was 72 years old.

Born in Boston, MA on September 7, 1951, Dianne found immense happiness in her family, marrying William J. Hansbury in 1973, and together raising their children, Matthew J. Hansbury and Meghan L. Touhey in her lifelong home in Canton, instilling in them the values of kindness, perseverance, generosity, and a sense of humor.

Dianne graduated from Canton High School in 1969, and went on to study nursing with her best friend, Kathy Sullivan, also of Canton, at the Henry O. Peabody Nursing School, graduating in 1970. Dianne began her career as a pediatric nurse at Goddard Hospital in Stoughton, where her compassion and skill touched the lives of many. After her nursing career, she pursued her passion for education, serving as a preschool teacher at Blue Hill Montessori School in Canton for 34 years. Dianne's dedication to nurturing young minds left an indelible mark on the countless children and families she served.

An avid reader, Dianne found solace in books and it seemed she read every book in the Canton library. She enjoyed swimming, gardening and cooking, hobbies that brought her joy and relaxation. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her grandchildren, whether playing games, teaching them to swim, or simply sitting and talking with them. She was a very proud Nana.

Dianne never liked being the center of attention, preferring to put her friends and family before her in the spotlight. If she could, she’d most certainly tell us not to make such a fuss; that the weather still isn’t hot enough for her; that she’s proud of all our accomplishments; and then leave us with a funny, self-deprecating joke about her predicament.

She is survived by her loving husband, William J. Hansbury; her son Matthew Hansbury and his wife Karen of Tewksbury; her daughter Meghan Touhey and her husband Sean of Walpole; her grandchildren, Abigail, Colin, Danica, and Jason; her brother David F. Jenkins of Canton; cousins who were like siblings; nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly every day. She is reunited with many loved ones who passed before her, including her parents; grandparents; parents in law; her nephew David F. Jenkins Jr.; and her cousins Eleanor M. Jenkins and William D. Jenkins.

Visiting hours will be held at Dockray & Thomas Funeral Home, Canton, on Sunday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, with a Funeral Mass to celebrate Dianne’s life at St. Oscar Romero Church, Canton, on Monday at 10:00 am, followed by burial at Canton Corner Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at www.pancan.org.

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