Obituary of Ethel L. Hanks

Ethel L. Hanks, 94, of River Road, Essex, died at Hartford Hospital on July 9, 2021, after a brief illness. She was born in Bronx, New York on March 22, 1927, the daughter of the late Dr. Howard W. Long and Ethel F. Long, and sister of the late Howard W. Long, Jr. She grew up in Scarsdale, after high school, Ethel graduated from the Katharine Gibbs School and started her secretarial career in New York City. But her adventurous spirit took hold and she left to work and travel through Europe and the Middle East. After returning home to New York, she married John H. Hanks in 1953. They were married over 67 years, until her beloved husband’s passing just a few months ago. Ethel was a lifelong sailor, and was a member of the Westerly Yacht Club in her youth and later the Essex Yacht Club. While raising her family, Ethel returned to the workforce for her true passion: sales. In her retirement, she enjoyed antiquing and travel. Most important to Ethel was family. She had a vitality for life right up to her last days. She is survived by her daughter Carol Tyler of Tolland, and her husband, Richard Tyler; her daughter Susan Peloquin of Essex; and her son John Hanks, Jr. of Middletown, and his wife, Mary-Katelyn Hanks; and six grandchildren, Amy Carocci, Emily Taylor, Alicia Peloquin, Michael Tyler, David Tyler and William Hanks and five great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her grandson, Jeffrey Peloquin. Graveside service will be private at Elm Grove Cemetery, Mystic. To share a memory of Ethel or send a condolence to her family please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements are by the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.