Nancy Wilkinson Hawley, age 87, died in peace at St. Luke’s Hospice House
August 5, 2016. Her memorial service will be Saturday, August 20, at 1 pm, at St.
Paul’s Episcopal Church, 11 E.40 St., KCMO, followed by Reception and
Remembrances at Simpson House, 4509 Walnut, KCMO. Instead of flowers, memorial
contributions may be made to Gordon Parks Elementary School, St. Luke’s Hospice
House, or St. Paul’s Church.
Nancy Hawley was born to Frank and Frances (Shryock) Wilkinson in 1929, and
grew up in KCMO where she graduated from Barstow School. She attended Wellesley
College in Massachusetts and graduated from Kansas University with degrees in
Mathematics and Philosophy. She was a lifetime active member of Pi Beta Phi.
She married the love of her life, George W. Hawley, in 1955 and spent the next
47 years in dynamic whole-hearted living with him, singing duets, and hosting family
and friends. They were at home together on W. 56 th St., Lake of the Ozarks, Green Mt.
Falls, Borrego Springs, Compton Court, and travels worldwide.
Nancy thrived in faithful practical service for others. In addition to raising 4
children, Nancy also became caretaker for her mother and elderly cousins. She was a
dedicated and generous volunteer with St. Luke’s Hospital Auxiliary, the Junior League,
and her beloved St. Paul’s Church Altar Guild and Friday Guild. She volunteered at
Gordon Parks Elementary School in KC, and helped tutor children in Borrego Springs,
CA. She was a Founder and Director of the Hawley Family Charitable Trust.
She was an enthusiastic supporter of the arts, especially the KC Repertory
Theater, the KC Symphony, and Friends of Chamber Music. She served as a Docent at
the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. She enjoyed playing tennis, and kept up a regular
exercise schedule all her life. She was an ardent bridge player who treated the game
seriously and with great pleasure. She was a dedicated Democrat, passionate admirer
of Barack Obama, and an avid Royals fan.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George W. Hawley, and her son
Frank W. Hawley. Survivors include daughters Lucy H. Terry (David, KCMO), Marian
Hawley (David Landman, Denver), and Frances H. Penkowsky (Greg, Denver).
Grandchildren are Gregory Block, Jennifer Knotwell, Jessika Terry, Kelly Lee Terry,
Catherine Terry, Audrey Penkowsky, Stuart Penkowsky, and Greatgrandchildren Liam
and Landon Knotwell.