Johanna Miglino Hanks

Johanna Miglino Hanks, of Topeka Kansas, went to her eternal heavenly home; Monday, March 18, 2024.

She was born June 24th, 1929 in Manhattan, NY. The daughter of Nicolo and Nicoletta (Baldo) Miglino. She was one of four siblings growing up in NY during the Depression. Johanna attended Catholic school on the Lower East Side and then in Williamsburg, Brooklyn after a move with her mother and siblings. She left school at age 16 and went to work for the telephone company and later for IBM as a key punch operator. She later received her GED and furthered her education in Pueblo, CO attending Southern Colorado State College.

Johanna married the love of her life Walter B Hanks Jr. September 1948, followed by a church wedding in December of that same year. They moved to St. Louis where she worked at McDonald Douglas Aircraft until moving to Pueblo, Colorado. Walter was later transferred to Wichita, Kansas and Johanna joined Camelot Fashions in sales and later became the manager and conducted fashion shows for various groups in Wichita. She loved clothes, accessories and being fashionable and on trend.

Johanna was a lover of the arts and was active in community theatre in St. Louis, Pueblo and Wichita's Children's Theatre. She later pursued her interest in painting after taking many classes and eventually taught students in her home, at Crestview Community Center and Hobby Lobby here in Topeka. She was a member of Topeka Art Guild and many other art societies. She was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Topeka. Johanna was known for her New York Italian heritage, her high energy, quirkiness and unique style. She was empathetic and befriended many that needed a listening ear.

Survivors include; daughters, Nancy (Kevin) Alexander, Brenda (Stan) Zimmerman and Maureen (Dan) McGrath; grandchildren Dr. Stanley "Kyle" (Jessica) Zimmerman, Kevin (Emily) Alexander Jr., Kari (Ben) Cohen, Samuel "Scott" (Jacquelyn) Alexander, Kelley (Brian) Horn and Bryan McGrath (Allison Cox); 16 great grandchildren and her sister Nicolina Reisman. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings; Antonio "Tony" Miglino, Dr. Joseph Miglino both of New York.

The family would like to thank the wonderful care provided by Brooke Bowditch, all the nurses and staff at Legend at Capital Ridge, and a special thank you to the nurses, staff and support from Elara Caring Hospice. They each provided Johanna a peaceful transition into her eternal life.

Memorial contributions may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3601 SW 17th Street, Topeka KS 66604 or Elara Caring Hospice Topeka, 901 NE River Road, Topeka KS 66616 or Topeka Art Guild, 5331 SW 22nd Place, Topeka KS 66614.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, with a rosary said beginning at 9:30 am. Inurnment will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery with a small reception following in the Mausoleum.

To share a memory of Johanna or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.