Elta Charmain Hanlon

Elta Charmian Hanlon, daughter of William Evans Whitter and Irene Sweeting, was born in Baltimore, MD on July 13, 1917 and died in Castle Rock, CO on July 9, 2015. She was predeceased by Donald L. Hanlon, Sr. her beloved husband of over 50 years in 1997. She is survived by her son, Donald L. Hanlon Jr. (Karen) of Colorado Springs, CO and her daughter Lisa M. Giardino (James) of Centralia, WA. She had 3 grandchildren, Patrick M. Hanlon (Leah) of Parker, CO, Lori L. Hampton (Robert) of Denver, CO and Michael J. Giardino (Crystal) of Centralia, WA. She also had 7 great granddaughters: Morgan L. and Marisa R. Hanlon, Alexa L., Anna E., and Audrey O. Hampton, and Gabriella I. and Katelin M. Giardino. Elta's parents held Christmas parties for the needy of Baltimore for over 24 years. As a youngster, Elta was the Christmas fairy at these functions. Elta's middle name, Charmian, was a popular chocolate candy in Baltimore in 1917. Her mom told her she was sweet as candy! At seventeen she started her career in art/photography that lasted for over 50 years. She colored black and white photographs for a photography studio before color film was invented. This technique was called hand-coloring and is also known as hand-painting or over-painting. She met Don Sr. when her father boarded Don Sr.'s horse on his property. They ran away to get married the first time in Ellicott City, MD on December 12, 1938 at Emory Methodist Church. Elta converted to Catholicism and they were married a second time on July 25th 1942 at SS Philip & James Church in Baltimore, MD. (Don Jr.'s birthday is May 19, 1940.) Elta will be buried with Don Sr. at Ft. Logan cemetery following a very short viewing for family members only. Please know we are not trying to slight anyone but Mom preferred a simple affair. In lieu of flowers please buy yourself a dessert and remember her as you enjoy it. She loved desserts!!!