Elaine M. Hanlon, 54, of Providence, RI died yesterday at Rhode Island Hospital after a brief illness. Born in Westwood, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Mildred Rautenberg Hanlon of Westwood, MA.

She is survived by her beloved siblings: sisters Mary Hanlon, Sandy Parlon, Mildred Kilburne, Amy Hanlon, and Peggy Hanlon; and her brothers, Paul Hanlon and Brendan Hanlon. She is also survived by her 22 beloved and adored nieces and nephews and 5 great-nieces and nephews, whose lives were ever a source of amusement, happiness and joy to her.

She will also be missed by Elizabeth Rock, to whom she was the closest and most beloved friend and confidant; Elizabeth's husband Thomas LaFauci, and the entire Rock family, who adored her as another daughter.

Elaine graduated Magna Cum Laude from Wheaton College in MA, class of 1979, with a degree in Romance Languages. She went on to blend her language skills and intense intellect to become the Deputy Chief Investigator at the RI Office of the Public Defender, a job which she loved. She was active in local and national issues, and had recently been named the State Director of Unite Women, a political action group highlighting women's issues in the political sphere. She was a talented artist and jewelry designer, and to the end, a scholar; reading, thinking, learning.

Elaine was brilliant, principled, dedicated and courageous in the world; loving, patient, inventive, passionate, caring, and overwhelmingly generous in time and attention to everyone in her extended circle of family and friends. She leaves a gap which cannot be filled.

Her Funeral Service will be held Monday, July 16, 2012 at 12 Noon in THE URQUHART-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, 800 Greenwich Avenue, Route 5, Warwick (Exit 12A on I-95) followed by a Graveside Service at 1:30 PM in Quidnessett Memorial Cemetery, Post Road, North Kingstown. Relatives and friends are invited. Calling hours will be held Sunday, July 15, 2012 from 4-8 pm in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in Elaine's memory to the American Cancer Society, 931 Jefferson Blvd., Suite 3004, Warwick, RI 02886 would be appreciated.

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Urquhart - Murphy Funeral Home
800-812 Greenwich Avenue
Warwick, Rhode Island 02886
401-737-3510