Catherine Pauline Hanton (Kay), a longtime Malibu resident from 1963-2009, died on Feb. 12, 2017, in Potomac Falls, Va.
Born in Minneapolis in 1921 to Emil and Catherine Schatzlein, she was the eighth of 10 siblings. Hanton was a war bride, marrying her late husband, Lt. Col. John T. (Jack) Hanton, USAF (Ret.) on Oct. 31, 1942.
“She dedicated her life to Jack and their four children, fostering a sense of home throughout Jack’s 26-year air force career and after his retirement in 1968,” a loved one wrote to The Malibu Times. “Kay was an avid bridge player, an exceptional cook, and was much admired for her decorating skills and innate sense of style, as well as her generosity of spirit. Her volunteer work at Our Lady of Malibu school was but one example of this generosity. She leaves behind many friends in Malibu, which she fondly called ‘The most beautiful place I’ve ever lived.’”
Hanton is survived by her children and their spouses Thomas Hanton; Johanna Edmonds; Susan Whitney and her husband Frederick; and Steven Hanton and his wife Regina Mocey; and her six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren: T.J. Hanton, his wife Nicole and their children Madyson and Jack; Christine Whitney and her husband Daniel Horowitz; Scott Whitney and his wife Krista; Emile Hanton, his wife Jamie, and their children Reid and Charlotte; Jon Mocey-Hanton; and Paul Mocey-Hanton.
“She was a doting grandmother who will also be lovingly remembered,” a loved one wrote.
She is also survived by her brother, Gerald Schatzlein of Minnesota.
Hanton will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery alongside her late husband Jack.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Our Lady of Malibu Catholic Church.