August 03, 2011

My mom, Barbara M. Hansen

Barbara Metcalf Hansen July 25, 1925 - April 9, 2011


My sister Christine wrote this, I took the picture on April 6, 2011, on Telegraph Hill.

Barbara Hansen, 85, passed away on Saturday, April 9, 2011, in San Francisco, Calif., the city of her birth. We celebrate the life of a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She leaves behind her loving husband, Joseph; her five beautiful children, Patricia, Carol, Emily, Christine and John and their spouses; daughter-in-law, Sherrie; as well as 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She will join her son, Michael; sister, Shirley; and mother and father in Heaven.

Barbara was born July 25, 1925, in San Francisco to Emily Bridgewater and Melvin Metcalf. Barbara had fond memories of growing up in San Francisco in the hotel that her grandmother owned. It was in this same city that she met and married her husband of 65 years, Joseph Hansen. Joseph was a naval aviator cadet in training in San Francisco. They married two weeks after the war ended. Joseph and Barbara started and raised their family of six in California and later Boise, Idaho. Barbara was a mother not only to her six children, but was a foster mother to many others as well. Her home was always welcome.

Barbara was a lifelong learner. She took great pride in all of her children's education and after her family was grown, she returned to complete her BA in English. Along with her role as a mother, Barbara throughout her life was a committed volunteer. Her contributions to the communities she lived in were endless. She served in civic, social, cultural and religious life of the places she called home. In Boise, she contributed immensely to the historical preservation of downtown Boise and St. John's Cathedral. She was a lover of music, especially opera and was a supporter of the Boise Philharmonic.

Upon Joe's retirement in 1985, they moved to Anacortes, Wash., where they lived in a waterfront home. Barbara was involved in the Anacortes Friends of the Library, the Anacortes Museum, the Soroptimist Thrift Shop and PEO. Her beach home was a haven for her grandchildren and family.

In 2005, Barbara and Joe moved to Grangeville, Idaho, to build their first home and be closer to family. They found solace and comfort living in a small town. Barbara was an active member of the Episcopal Church, PEO, Syringa Thrift Shop, Historical Society, Friends of the Library and her book club. She instilled in her family the love and importance of learning and giving back to one's community.

Barbara will be missed for her witty nature, her kind spirit and the great love she had for her family. We celebrate her life and all those she touched during her 85 years with us. At her request, there will be no funeral service. At a later date, Barbara's family will gather together for a memorial. In Barbara's memory, gifts of time or donations can be given to your favorite charity.