Juanita Marie (Bledsaw) Hanke, age 78, died in the early morning of Feb. 21, 2024, at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center. in Chesapeake, VA.
A private graveside service will be held by her family. Smith and Williams Funeral Home in Chesapeake, VA, is assisting the family.
Mrs. Hanke was born on July 24, 1945, in Irving, the daughter of Paul and Dorothy Bledsaw.
A graduate of Hillsboro High school, she was a longtime employee of Regent University, where she served the students and faculty for over 30 years. She had many fond memories and treasured her time on campus.
Upon retirement, Mrs. Hanke enjoyed planting flowers and gardening in her backyard and spoiling her two granddogs, Eddie and Gizmo. During the summer, she looked forward to doing crafts, baking and visiting Bergey’s Dairy Farm with her grandchildren. She found great joy in her role as “Mema.”
Mrs. Hanke is survived by her husband of 54 years, John R. Hanke; her children, Mary E. Madonna (Michael) of Killingworth, CT and Sean M. Hanke of Chesapeake, VA; her beloved grandchildren Michael T. Madonna, John A. Madonna and Sophia G. Madonna and a sister, Jenny Miller (Darrell) of Witt; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Dixie L. Bledsaw.
Memorials in her memory may be made to Shriner’s Children’s (c/o Orthotic and Prosthetic Services Program), Processing Center, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394 or online at www.donate.lovetotherescue.org.
