Obituary of Mary Blanche Hanson

Mary Blanche Hanson passed away Feb. 18, 2016. Mary was born May 13, 1928 in Rigby, Idaho to parents Isabelle Derome and Gustave Hanson. She was the ninth child in a family of 11 children. The family lived in a rural area with large gardens that grew vegetables and fruit trees; a chicken house and other farm animals provided the necessities of life. Isabelle, with the help of the children provided, cooked, canned and made most of the clothing which the family wore. Mary's education through high school was completed and at the age of 21 she joined the Franciscan Sisters in 1949. She then continued on with her degree in Nursing, Anesthesia and a Masters in Hospital Administration. Her first assignment in this field was as a Hospital Administrator of St. Francis in La Cross, Wis. Mary's professional career as a Health Care Leader extended to Portland, Ore., Chicago, Ill., and Duluth. Pathways divided and her retirement home in Lakeside, Duluth, with dogs, beautiful gardens, adventuresome travel with family and friends, filled her days with joy. Mary is survived by a dozen nieces and nephews and many beloved friends. FUNERAL MASS: 5 p.m. March 10, 2016 in St. Michael's Catholic Church. Her religious life with the Roman Catholic Church made it so that the Last Rites and Christian Burial will be administered by Reverend Father Wm. Graham of St. Michael's and her ashes will reside in crypt at Calvary Cemetery near Duluth. Services entrusted to Cremation Society of Minnesota 218-624-5200