Obituary of Mary Hanson

HANSON – Mary was born in Wymark, Saskatchewan on December 16, 1925. Along with her parents Peter T and Marie (Dyck) Derksen, she experienced a wonderful childhood in Wymark with siblings, Hank, Pete, and Eva. In 1951, after she finished training at Saskatoon City Hospital, Mary began her career as an RN at the Swift Current Union Hospital. Mary married Arvid Hanson on June 25, 1954, and they made their home on the Hanson family farm in the Neidpath area. Their dream of a becoming parents became a reality in April 1960, when they were blessed with their son, Russell. Mary, Arvid and Russ enjoyed many wonderful years on the farm and moved to Swift Current in 1967. Mary and Arvid were loving and supportive parents, and always made sure Russ knew how proud they were of him. Mary was very involved in St Olaf Lutheran church, where teaching Sunday school and being part of Sarah Circle were two of her favorite activities. Mary was a loving Mother, Grandmother, sister, nurse and friend. Her faith, family, church family, friends, neighbors, work colleagues and care givers were all a very important part of her life. This was evident with the many life-long friendships Mary had formed and held dear to her. Mary retired from a fulfilling career in nursing in 1985 and continued farming, along with Arvid and Russ until 1988. Throughout her life, she enjoyed tennis, curling and golfing, traveling and had numerous hobbies and interests. Mary and Arvid were long- time Swift Current Bronco season ticket holders and avid Rider fans. Reading was a mainstay in Mary’s life and she continued to read and learn until her passing. Arvid passed away in 1994 and not a day passed by that she didn’t think of him. Mary was so excited when Russ and Maureen (Caswell) were married in 1998 and immediately welcomed Maureen as her daughter. When her grandchildren, Kirsten and Lauren became part of her family, they also became the light of her life. For the last few years, the Herbert and District Integrated Health Facility was Mary’s home. She greatly appreciated the excellent care (and home-cooked meals) she received and thoroughly enjoyed her many conversations with the nurses, aids, and staff. Mary was grateful to anyone who would travel to Herbert for a visit, but especially looked forward to spending Sunday afternoons with Russ, Maureen, Kirsten and Lauren. Mary is lovingly remembered by her son, Russ (Maureen) and granddaughters Kirsten and Lauren. Also by her sister Eva Little, and sisters-in-law Ruth Derksen, Doreen Christopher and Amy Hanson, and many nieces and nephews. Mary is pre-deceased by her husband Arvid, parents, Peter T and Marie Derksen, brothers, Hank Derksen and Peter Derksen, niece Lynne Derksen, as well as many sisters-in law and brothers-in-law. Funeral services were held on Friday, January 30, 2015, at St Olaf’s Lutheran Church in Swift Current, SK, with Pastor Linda Hall officiating. Eunice Morck read the eulogy on behalf of Mary’s family. Organist was Arlie Neufeld and Joyce Olesen sang “The Lord is my Shepard.” Ushers were Jay Christopher and Jan Christopher. Honorary pallbearers were Louise Morris and Helen McGovern. Active Pallbearers were Ron Little, Bob Little Jr, Airie vanDuyvendyk, Ike Funk, Jakob Wiebe and Matt Derksen. Interment was held at Mount Pleasant Burial Park. In Memory of Mary, donations may be made to St Olaf’s Lutheran Church. To sign the family book of condolences, visit www.parksidefuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Parkside Memorial Funeral Home – Ryan Cappelle