Preceded in death by parents Fred and Marie (Hillegas) Hankinson, husband Paul Anthony, infant great grandson Ronin Gallagher, sisters Evelyn Grove and Delores Wagstaff and brother Robert. Survived by daughter Joyce Gallagher (Barry); grandsons name sake Paul Anthony Scaletta of Pittsburgh, Nicholas Scaletta (Catherine) of Gaithersburg, MD and Ben Gallagher (Emily) of Johnstown; great granddaughters Adelyn and Nora Scaletta and Lili Gallagher; brother Eugene (Lana) of Remington, VA; sister Mary McNamara (Michael) of Richland and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was an amazing woman despite being Deaf and losing her sight late in life. She was always appreciative of family and friends who took time to spend with her, especially her niece Polly Simmons. Theona was an inspiration to all who knew her.
She attended Western PA School for the Deaf in Pittsburgh with her sister, Evelyn and brother Robert. She worked for many years as a seamstress at Goldstein’s, also worked at Henderson’s Laundry, then Goodwill from where she retired due to losing her sight. She and her husband were active in the Deaf Community thru the Johnstown Association of the Deaf, allowing them to meet for conversations and social activities. She was a member of NAD, PSAD, AADBA and the “Women’s Sewing Club” where local deaf women got together to share their lives.
She had an infectious smile and trademark giggle. Mark Twaine said it best “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Due to COVID Restrictions, services will be held privately.
Donations may be made to Bella Care Hospice, 500 Rockside Rd. #150, Independence, OH 44131. John Henderson Co. Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.hendersonfuneralhome.com
Published on September 24, 2020