Kathleen (McMahon) Hanis Obituary

Kathleen Ethel Hanis (née McMahon) was born in Inglewood, California, and passed away peacefully in California at the Modesto Post Acute Hospital. She had just celebrated her 78th birthday on April 21st.

She grew up in Livermore, where she attended Livermore High School, graduated in 1965, and was a performer in the A Cappella Choir. It was in Livermore that she later started her family and spent the majority of her life. In 1990, she moved to Lathrop, California, where she continued to build a life filled with love, hard work, and family. In her final days, she remained in Lathrop, surrounded by those who loved her.

In her early days as a young mother raising two infant daughters, Kathleen worked at the Livermore Laboratory for several years. She later owned and operated a daycare from home for many years while her children were growing up. She poured her heart into caring for not only her own kids, but countless others, nurturing them with patience, creativity, and unconditional love.

Kathleen excelled at running her own businesses. Whether it was her in-home daycare or the gardening business she ran with her husband, she approached each venture with dedication, warmth, and a genuine love for people. Her entrepreneurial spirit was matched only by her work ethic and the care she gave to every person and task.

She was the first child of John and Melba McMahon and later became the loving older sister to twin brothers, Jack and Gary, whose lives were tragically cut short. Kathleen never fully recovered from their loss and carried the pain in her heart throughout her life. She adored her brothers and was like a second mother to them.

She also had a younger sister, Karin Reitz, from whom she remained estranged — a distance that, sadly, remained until her passing.
Kathleen was married to Chris Hanis for over 30 years, and together they shared a life filled with love, laughter, and a joint passion for their gardening business. She often spoke fondly of the customers they served and how much joy they brought into her life.
She was a devoted mother to three children — Me’shel Babish, Simone Holt, and Mark Whitlock Jr. Mark’s father, Mark Whitlock Sr., is still living and shared in Kathleen’s journey of parenthood.

She was a proud grandmother to Torin Holt, Juliette Baldwin, and Brycen Babish. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She loved experiencing the world through their eyes and proudly spoke of how special each of them were.

Kathleen also had several beloved cousins — Randy McMahon, Richie McMahon, and Michael McMahon — who survived her. She remained close to them throughout her life, and their bond was one of deep family love and mutual respect.

Her friendship with Jennifer, a dear friend from her high school days, was another constant throughout her life. Their decades-long connection was filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support — a true lifelong friendship that she treasured deeply. Jennifer was by her side in her last days, offering comfort and companionship.

Kathleen had a deep love for animals and never hesitated to care for those in need — from stray cats to blue jays and beyond. Her kindness knew no bounds. She taught those around her to find the good in people and to hold onto hope. Her laugh was infectious, her smile could brighten any room, and her presence radiated warmth and compassion.

She was one of the most beautiful souls — kind, humble, honest, and nonjudgmental. A one-of-a-kind mother who lived with grace and gave generously of her heart.

Thank you, Mom, for shaping us with strong values, honor, and integrity. You made our childhoods magical — filled with church, horses, goats, gymnastics, dance, theater, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4H, cheerleading, piano recitals, soccer, softball, water skiing, camping, and swimming — just to name a few.

We miss you more than words can express. Until we meet again, Mom, in God’s heavenly embrace — We love you.
Numbers 6:25-26- The LORD make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you. The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace"

To help support Chris and cover memorial costs, we’ve also set up a GoFundMe. Any contribution or share means so much: https://gofund.me