Gabrielle 'Gaby' Rae Hanson

Gaby Hanson, age 85, passed away on Thursday, June 24, 2010 at Harbor House in Stoughton.   She was born in Stoughton on September 7, 1924, the daughter of Arthur and Alma (Furseth) Andersen.   Gaby was a lifelong resident of Stoughton.   She attended Stoughton High School, graduating in 1942.   While in High School, she participated in many activities, most notably as a drum majorette; leading the High School band out onto the football field during half-time shows.   She also participated in, and loved the musical The Pirates of Penzance' and to her last days would sing ""When the Foeman Bares His Steel"".   Gaby married Ward Hanson on December 18, 1943, a marriage that lasted on this earth for 51 years.   Ward died in 1995 of cancer, but Gaby's love in her heart for Ward carried on for 15 more years, until the time of her death.   It brings peace to the family, knowing Ward and Gaby are together again.   Gaby worked several jobs throughout her life.   She was a mother, house keeper and a ""cop's wife"".   She managed a family owned Laundromat, and a family owned ambulance service.   Gaby was well known throughout the community as a fashion consultant, known for her love of fashion, and managing Donna's, and then Carol's, Fashion Chalet in Stoughton for 25 years.   Gaby had many interests outside of work, including spending family time together, having fun with the neighbors of the old ""West Street Gang"", shopping, dining out and a love for chocolate.   Gaby and Ward received the Stoughton Community Appreciation Award in 1991, for both her, and Ward's dedication to the City of Stoughton.   Gaby is survived by her daughter, Kristi (Brekke) of Stoughton; son, Jon (Jenny) of Prairie du Sac; grandchildren, Britt Haslam, Erik, Peter, and Bjorn Brekke, Christopher Dorsey, and Jessica Hanson.   She also had six great-grandchildren, Austen, Hunter, Haakon, Reese, Brielle and Bergen.   Gaby was preceded in death by Ward, her son, Mike, who was killed in a car accident in 1971, and her sisters, Phyliss and Delores.   A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 11:00 am at First Lutheran Church, 310 E. Washington St., Stoughton, with the Rev. Richard Halom officiating.   The family will greet friends at church on Thursday from 10:00 am until the time of service.   Memorials in Gaby's name may be made to HospiceCare, Inc.