Rosalie Van Deman Hansen

Service Information

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4 pm on July 15 at United Church of Ferndale, 2034 Washington St., Ferndale, WA 98248

Born September 20, 1925, mom departed for heaven on June 27, 2016, on what would have been our dad's 100th birthday.

Mom was born in the historic Van Deman home in Delaware, Ohio. She attended Ohio State University as part of her training for the US Cadet Nurse Corps. In 1945, she married Ray Hansen, a handsome Lieutenant and WWII pilot, and moved with him back to his home state of Washington. She completed her Cadet Nurse Corp training at Seattle's Virginia Mason Nursing School, and with the war now over, mom and dad built their home in North Seattle and began building their family of five children. Wonderful times were shared with their Linden Avenue neighbors.

During her long career as a Registered Nurse, mom worked at the Seattle City Jail, at Waldo Hospital in their cardiac and critical care units, and for US Public Health, retiring from GSA (Auburn) as an occupational health nurse. She also enjoyed serving as a volunteer for the USO, her children's schools, as a teacher of first aid, and accompanying the Ingraham High School Touring Choir on their trip to Japan in 1967.

Mom always was a superb wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and helper to everyone she met. She trusted Jesus and demonstrated Christ-­like love, kindness and forgiveness to all. Over the years, her nursing skills saved many lives, some even in her own neighborhood. No one stayed a stranger very long. She had a kind word for everyone.

Mom graduated with honors from Western Washington University in 1977. She retired at age 70 but remained active all of her life. In 2000, she moved to Ferndale where she savored life with family and friends. An avid gardener, she had a particular love for geraniums. She loved all animals, singing, attending parties, football games, plays, and anything involving her family. She enjoyed traveling and especially our yearly trips to Leavenworth. Mom's lovely voice graced church choirs even into her elder years. Always well dressed with sparkly eyes and an enchanting smile, people often stopped to compliment her on how beautiful she was, even into her 90s. Mom departed this mortal life surrounded by her adoring family and pets in the home she loved.

Mom beautified our world and made it a better place. She was active in charities, the Lake City Emblem Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, and in local politics. Intensely proud of her country, she always had flags flying on her little red car as she zipped around, proud that she was still driving at age 90. An inspiration to many, countless family and friends named their own children after her because they loved her so.

Mom lost our dad in 1985 and never remarried. She left behind a big family who will someday join her in the celebration in heaven. Children: Cherie LaMaine (Jeff), Coral Cates (Rick), Ray Hansen (Betty), Laurie Frye (Rick), and Carol Blacker (Don). Grandchildren: Laurie Harris, Lisa Shelton, Lucie LaMaine, BreeAnna and Beau Blacker, Matt Frye, Nathan, Colin, Rosie and India Hansen, Nora Cassel, and Emma Dame. Great-grandchildren: Jasmine, Ivy, Jeff, Maksim, Aleks, Koal, Jake, Elsa, Isla, Jeffrey, Liam and Neil, as well as extended family around the country. A Celebration of Life will be held at 4 pm on July 15 at United Church of Ferndale. Interment at Evergreen-Washelli Cemetery. Remembrances to United Church of Ferndale, 2034 Washington St, Ferndale, WA 98248.

Memories

From Rosalie Daly

Beautiful inside & out.  A wonderful neighbor & friend. Rosalie had the 'gift of gab', so I will share a funny memory from Linden Ave.  Back in the day, with the rotary phone and the spiral cord that limited walking & talking to about a 3 foot area, my mom, Helen Reymore, would be on the phone for a LONG time... but typically saying uh-huh, yes, okay.... barely gettin a word in.  And she would point in the direction of the Hansen's house so we knew she was talking to (make that listening to) Rosalie.  With all the kids in the Hansen & Reymore families - and most homes on Linden, there was lots to chat about.  Plans for shopping, PTA, the Linden Ave Recreation Park, Family Day, overnights (cut short, Carol).... and just a bunch of good ol' fun.  Those were the best of times.  Rosalie made everyone feel welcome.  She had a special twinkle in her eyes - and always smiling.

We will miss her - but also remember & appreciate her and everything she brought to our lives.  A very special lady.  I will forever be honored to be her namesake (her favorite one, I might add.).

Love & Big Hugs to the Hansen Family.

Rosalie Reymore Daly & Family

Jul 08, 2016

From Laurie Frye

Thank you, Rosie, for your kind words.  We did have the best of times growing up on Linden Avenue.  Your mom was one of my mom's best friends and she so enjoyed all of the times they spent together.  Your family and our family have a very special bond, sharing the love we have for our own and each other's parents.  We all will miss the gift of love they gave to us, their inspiration and guidance.  We are so blessed.

Jul 08, 2016

From Manca Valum

Dear Laurie,

My thoughts are with you during this sad time.  From all you have shared in person and through this lovely tribute, it is clear your mother was a wonderful, remarkable and vibrant person. May your memories of her be with you always--providing comfort, joy, and laughter.

With warm regards and sincerest sympathy,

Manca

Jul 08, 2016

From Beth Warrick

What an AWESOME blessing!  Rosalie Hansen was one of those angels on earth…on Linden and beyond!  Her smiling eyes and warm, welcoming ways made it an absolute delight to be around her.  She always acted out her faith, full of joy with a kind word for everyone.  Rosalie was so active and engaging; she was just fun to be around!  She set a loving example for her family and all who knew her.  She made us feel like we were part of her extended family! 

We’ve been so blessed to have known Rosalie and appreciate the way she impacted our lives in such a positive way.  We love her, we’ll miss her and we’re thankful that we’ll see her again.  She is a treasure!

Our hearts go out to all of the Hansen family ~

Love always ~

Bethie (Reymore) and Don Warrick

Jul 08, 2016

From Laurie Frye

I so appreciate your thoughtfulness during this difficult time. We share many struggles and it is comforting to have someone who understands. Thanks for your support.

Jul 09, 2016

From Laurie Frye

Beth and Don,
You were always so kind to my mom and she loved you and all of your family. Many happy times were shared with the Hansens and the Reymores. She would say that she was blessed to have known you. Love from all of us.

Jul 09, 2016

From Laurie Frye

Manca, I so appreciate your thoughtfulness during this difficult time. We share many struggles and it is comforting to have someone who understands. Thanks for your support.

Jul 09, 2016

From coral hansen cates

Wasn't easy to find this page but did!  Thanks to my sister Laurie who is closest in spirit I believe to my Mom, totally self less (for the most part anyway!). But afterall they are both Virgo's born in September! 

Rumi said it well when he wrote that "Death is our wedding with eternity." When I got to tell mom that I would "see her on the other side" with the phone to her head when she could not talk at the end but was able to squeeze these words out it was an acknowledgement of knowing, of knowing. 

From the great Benagli poet Tagore:

WHAT WILL YOU GIVE?

What will you give

When death knocks at your door?

The fullness of my life-

The sweet wine of autumn days and summer nights,

My little hoard gleaned through the years,

And hours rich with living.

These will be my gift. 

When death knocks at my door.

 

 

 

Jul 09, 2016

From Bonnie Birch

 Dear family,

I am so sorry for your loss. I am missing my mother very much after 1 1/2 years since she died. I have very fond memories of living next door to the Hansen's and especially enjoyed the friendship between Rosalie and my mother even after Rosalie moved to Ferndale. Her letters were very special and we have some of them in my mother's things. My sister Val and I always had fun reading them together with my mom. I will always remember Rosalie as a beautiful woman with a lovely smile.

My best and sympathy to you all,

Bonnie

Jul 09, 2016

From Catherine Pike

The Pike family will always be grateful for having Rosie and her family as part of our family. 

Jul 10, 2016

From Laurie Frye

Coral, I am amazed by your spirituality and positive attitude. We were all so lucky to have such wonderful parents. I miss them both so much. Mom must be smiling in heaven knowing her children have reconnected and rejoiced in the blessings they have given us.

Jul 10, 2016

From Laurie Frye

Bonnie, my mom lived in her home on Linden Avenue for 50 years and loved having your family right next door. Your family was so sweet and your mom was such a kind woman, much like my mom. I am so happy that our families have stayed in touch after all these years..

Jul 10, 2016

From Laurie Frye

Cathy, you are my oldest friend and have become a part of our family. My mom loved you and Keith and all of your family.

Jul 10, 2016

From Jeanie Amundson

I miss "Grandma Rosie" so much already.  Not only was she like a second mom to me as a child, but as an adult, she was such a good friend who is a big part of some of our best annual traditions and memories.  Leavenworth just won't be the same without her.  She was one-of-a-kind for sure, so upbeat and loving and kind.  She did thoughtful things out of the blue, like sending cards and photos in the mail (with sweet, somewhat legible notes haha).  She always made me feel special.  When my sister Rosalie and I were little, our mom didn't drive.  The Hansens took us with them everywhere, as though five kids of their own weren't enough. Why not pile two more in the back of the station wagon?  I would feel so proud as she would introduce us to strangers and explain how we lived down the street, and that our mom Helen was her dear friend. She never seemed frazzled, she just enjoyed people so much. Thank you Hansen family, for sharing your mom with us. What a blessing! Our love to you all.   

 

Jul 11, 2016

From Elizabeth Ann …

My mother, Maxine Seims and Rosalie Hansen met in 1950 at Virginia Mason Hospital, giving birth to their daughters, my sister Dorothy and her Coral (Penny). Our families remained close and I have many happy memories (and pictures) of picnics and outings. even though it has been many years, I have very fond memories of playing with the Hansen kids and remember Rosalie as kind, sweet, patient and always smiling. My deepest sympathy for the loss of your precious mother, she was truely a gem.

With love,

Ann Seims (Lopez)

Jul 12, 2016

From Coral Hansen Cates

Thanks to you all. Old family friends also posted in the Seattle Times & Bellingham Herald
Thank you! (Nancy thanks for letting me know it was the Sterling chapter of the DAR! I know mom is rejoicing in seeing her parents again and meeting her great great great grandfather who was a body guard for George Washington. She was so proud of this country
He most likely guarded her through out her 90 years and that's where the twinkle came from. Belay on mom and great great great great grand pa John Van Deman!

Jul 14, 2016

Add new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.

Plain text

  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.