The New England College of Optometry (NECO) released an obituary remembering Maureen Hanley, OD, NECO class of 1981, whose dedication to education, patient care, and community service earned her prestigious teaching awards, saw her providing eye care to underserved communities and veterans, and led her to support others through the International Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation.
The Eyecare Business team sends its condolences to all who knew her and shares the obituary here:
The New England College of Optometry mourns the passing of Maureen Hanley, OD, class of 1981, a cherished faculty member who dedicated more than four decades to shaping the future of optometry. Dr. Hanley passed away on March 8, 2025, at the age of 69 surrounded by her family.
Originally from Lincoln, RI, Dr. Hanley was a proud NECO alumna whose passion for education and mentorship left an indelible mark on the profession. Since joining the faculty in 1984, she played a pivotal role in training countless optometrists across New England. Her unwavering dedication to her students and exceptional teaching earned her the Dupuis Pellerin Award for Faculty Excellence and the Foster Namias Award for superior classroom instruction.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Hanley was deeply committed to patient care. She spent 14 years serving veterans at the VA in West Roxbury and more recently provided eye care at Uphams Corner Community Health Center, ensuring that underserved communities received the attention they deserved.
More than an educator, Dr. Hanley was a guiding presence and a mother figure to many. She opened her heart and home to students in need—whether offering a place to stay after a devastating apartment fire or hosting Thanksgiving dinners for those unable to travel home. Her generosity and warmth knew no bounds.
Even while facing her own health challenges, Dr. Hanley dedicated time to the International Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation, offering support and encouragement to others navigating the disease.
“Maureen would say to us, ‘Let’s mosey on!’” recalls her colleague and friend Bina J. Patel, OD, FAAO, professor of biomedical sciences and disease and director of international programs at NECO. “That meant she wanted us to keep going, to strive for excellence, and work harder to be the best.”
She is survived by her devoted husband, Robert Gels; her four sons, Joseph, Peter, Paul, and Thomas Gels; her sister, Maryann Pereira; her brother, Michael Hanley; and her beloved cat, Sweetheart.
Dr. Hanley’s impact extends far beyond NECO’s walls, living on in the many lives she touched. Former students, colleagues, and friends are invited to share their memories on NECO’s Facebook page, where messages of gratitude and remembrance will be collected and shared with her family.
Her legacy of kindness, mentorship, and dedication to optometry will never be forgotten.