Charlene Hancock

August 6, 1931 – January 9, 2025

Charlene Hancock, 93, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025. She lived a life filled with love, joy, and creativity, leaving behind a legacy of cherished memories for her family and friends.

Born on August 6, 1931, in Wilmerding, PA, Charlene spent much of her married life in Ann Arbor, MI, where she and her beloved husband, Walton Hancock (1929-2019), built a home filled with laughter and love. They met while working together at Westinghouse in Pittsburgh, and their shared journey brought them to many houses, notably vacationing for many years in Bay View, MI, Irish Hills, MI, and Albuquerque, NM. Charlene is survived by her son Robert Hancock (Diana Hancock), daughters Amy (Hancock) Boyd (Fred Boyd), and Betsy Hancock (Dennis MacMahon). She took great joy in being a grandmother to Andy (Jingyi), Mike, Ryan, Abigail (Jon), and Eric and treasured the moments she spent with her family.

Charlene, a gifted artist, has a passion for weaving that is a defining part of her life. With a loom that nearly dwarfed her size, she created beautiful, award-winning pieces showcasing her creativity and eye for color. She was a charter member of the Ann Arbor Fiber Guild and served as President of the Michigan League of Handweavers from 1987-1989. Charlene was a social butterfly who maintained close friendships throughout her life. She actively participated in several book clubs, continuing to join via Zoom until her passing. An avid bridge player, she and Walt were members of many bridge clubs, playing weekly games throughout their marriage, and she remained in a competitive spirit, even organizing a bridge group at her independent living community and mastering the art of playing on the computer in her later years.

Charlene had a special knack for telling jokes and consistently delivering punchlines with perfect timing. In addition to her hobbies, Charlene devoted many hours to volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House at the University of Michigan Hospitals, offering warmth and support to families in need. She was also a passionate gardener, loved dogs, and had an unshakeable fondness for Dairy Queen and chocolate in all its forms.

Charlene’s spirit, wit, and creativity will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her legacy of love, laughter, and lifelong friendships will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.