Clara Elizabeth “Liz” Hanley, 87, of Kenosha, passed away on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at Manor Care.  Liz was born on March 20, 1924 in Kenosha to Julius and Elise (Jensen) Sorensen.  She was educated in the schools of Kenosha and graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in 1942.  

Liz married Leo Hanley on July 22, 1943 in Waukegan, IL. She was very active in the Red Cross, Civil Defense and the USO during World War II.  Liz moved to Boston in 1946 and was employed with Stride Rite Shoes in the payroll Department.  Liz and Leo returned to Kenosha in 1982. She was an active member of St. Mary’s Lutheran Church, volunteering in many things including:  St. Mary’s Friendly Center, active in the Sarah Circle, the St. Mary’s Quilters, helped with the weekly bulk mailing and Wednesday Morning Prayer Breakfast.  Liz was active in the Red Hat Society, the Scarlet Calendar Girls, the Senior Center, friends of Kenosha Museum, Friends of Kemper, the Women’s Club and the Danish Sisterhood, being a past president for 5 years and a past secretary.  She also enjoyed Monday Afternoon Bridge Club and time she spent with her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by, her husband, Leo Hanley; her parents; her sister, Edith Hansen
and three brothers, Holgar, Kenneth and Paul Sorensen.

Liz is survived by her brother-in-law, Kenneth Hansen of Kenosha; her sister-in-law, Jerry Mahoney; seven nieces, Gail (John) Tefts, Sarah (Jim) Foster, Paula Sorenson, Lori Sorenson, Patty (John) Oldenburg, Patty Boudreau and Susan Breen; four nephews, Dr. Mark Sorenson, Rev. Christian Sorenson, David Sorenson and Rev. Chuck Larson; a life-long friend, Margaret Nation as well as many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Liz was held on June 18, 2011 at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church, followed by interment at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park.