Obituary: Annabelle Hanchett, 93, Olean
Annabelle Hanchett "Loving Mother and Grandmother"OLEAN - Annabelle Hanchett, 93, went to her heavenly home on Monday, November 16, 2020, at the Olean General Hospital, following her life-long service to others.
Annabelle was born on June 25, 1927 in Bradford, PA and was a daughter of Clarence P. and Newia L. Gross Hardy. On April 6, 1956, at the Bradford Christian Missionary Alliance, she married, the love of her life, her husband of 27 years, Robert C. Hanchett, who predeceased her on December 3, 1983.
Annabelle graduated from Bradford High School in May of 1946. She enjoyed playing on the girls' basketball team. Following High School, she attended college at The Missionary Training Institute of the Christian and Missionary Alliance at Nyack College in Nyack-on-Hudson, NY. Annabelle received a certificate in Christian Doctrine on September 17, 1950 and a diploma for the Missionary Course on July 17, 1953. While at Nyack, her focus was teaching children how to read. Annabelle did her student teaching in Harlem, NYC, NY. Her dream was to go on the mission field, instead she went home to Bradford, PA to help take care of her mother when she was sick.
After her marriage, Annabelle and her husband, Robert, built a life together focusing on their five children, the neighborhood kids and church. She volunteered her time with remedial reading at the Calvary Baptist Christian School and East View Elementary School, helping young students struggling to read. Annabelle's home was opened to anyone who needed help, a place to stay, or to rest their head. She prayed without ceasing and was steadfast in her faith in Jesus Christ. Annabelle was a member of the former Grace Alliance Church in Olean, NY, where she served in many capacities. Her favorite service was teaching Sunday School and providing transportation to Vacation Bible School for any neighborhood kid that wanted to go. Annabelle enjoyed organizing and helping VBS kids with arts and crafts.
Annabelle worked as a Nursing Aide at Bradford Manor in Bradford, PA, Cattaraugus County Nursing Home (The Pines) in Olean, NY, and Valley View Manor in Olean, NY, until her retirement in the early 1990's. Upon her retirement, she opened up her home to take care of her elderly family members. Annabelle and her sister, Esther, took care of their father, Clarence, his wife, Alice, and her mother-in-law, Lena Hanchett, as well as their, sister, Viola, all at the same time.
Annabelle was an incredible lady with a sense of humor and a loving soul. She had the gift of prayer and was always there to give a gentle touch or a cookie to eat. Annabelle enjoyed nature, watching the dear from the window at the Pines, where she lived for a brief time before her passing.
Annabelle is survived by; her sons, LeRoy A. (Sue) Hanchett of Bolivar, Timothy J. (Joni) Hanchett of Eustis, FL, Gary R. (Dina) Hanchett of Olean; her daughter, Cheryl L. (David) Gelder both of Olean; 5 grandsons, Jesse D. (Maria) Hargrove, Brian D. Hanchett, Michael T. Hanchett, Brandon A. (Katie) Gelder, and Joshua M. (JoAnne) Gelder; 1 granddaughter, Ashley N. (Cory) Brion; 3 great grandsons, Aedan R., Robert J., and Jackson D.; and several nieces and nephews.
Along with her loving husband and her parents, Annabelle was predeceased by; a son, Kevin L. Hanchett on December 5, 2019; and 2 sisters, Viola Hardy and Ester L. Hardy.
Friends will be received at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 East State Street, Olean, on Friday, November 20, 2020 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and again on Saturday, November 21, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., at which time a Funeral Service will be held. The Rev. Andy Hall, Pastor of the Crosstown Alliance Church, will officiate. Burial will be at the McKean Memorial Park in Bradford, PA. Online condolences may be made at www.LetroMcIntoshSpinkFuneralHome.com.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Rescue Dogs Rock at www.rescuedogsrocknyc.org.
