A Distinguished Career

Joan Hankey received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Wilson College in 2000.

Engraved plaque and flag display case honoring the career of Captain Joan R. Hankey

Joan received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal in 1982 and a year later she decided to retire. Her retirement gifts included a mahogany plaque with the brass plates noting her promotions and a shadow box with a flag that had flown over the US Capital building.

Joan’s friend, Dorothy James Tobler, whom she served with early in her career, told Joan many years later that:

“You struck me as the son your father never had. You had the persona of boldness but in a quiet, determined way. You were always strong and seemed to not be concerned of what others thought of you.”

In her retirement, Joan moved to a 14 acre property in Gettysburg. She and her best friend travelled extensively in a motor home visiting many national parks and interesting places. Joan became very involved in work with the Adams County Geneological Society and in many creative hobbies. She painted and made pottery. She made many hundreds of quilts for veterans and hospice patients.

In 2000, Joan was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Wilson College. The citation noted her string of firsts for women in the Navy and honored her perseverance, leadership and dedication in having brought honor and distinction to the United States Navy and to Wilson College.