Mary Hansen

Born on May 26, 1934, in Madison, WI, to Edmond Hansen and Elizabeth (Fox) Hansen, Mary Elizabeth Hansen was destined to live a life that concentrated on helping and loving others more than herself.  She was a life-long resident of the Madison area. Mary died on July 14, 2021, at Alden Estates of Jefferson, WI, after a long-term illness. On that Wednesday at the time of her death, Mary’s long-time companion, friend, and helper of 37 years, Bill Roever, was holding her hand and at her side.

Mary will always be remembered for her love of family and friends as well as her giving nature. She was well-known as being the family historian and was able to trace the histories of the Fox and Hansen families back to the 18th century, as well as being a passionate contributor to the DeForest (WI) Area Historical Society, where her grandfather, Julius E. Hansen, was a founder and contributor to the community of DeForest. Her nieces all remember how Mary was everything Wisconsin:  Packers, Brewers, Badgers, cheeses from Wisconsin, the Wisconsin State Fair, bratwurst, fresh corn on the cob, etc.  In fact, her nieces remember, dearly, those trips to the Wisconsin State Fair each summer when they were children and how their Aunt Mary would always bring back to Madison four very sleepy nieces, boxes of cream puffs, and crocks of Merkt’s cheese for those family members and friends who were not able to attend.

Mary was preceded in death by her dearly-beloved brother, Robert (“Bobby”), who died in 2011. Surviving Mary’s death is her loving and long-time companion, Bill Roever of Madison, WI; as well as her sister-in-law Jean Ahlstrom Hansen of Green Bay, WI (the dear wife of Mary’s beloved brother, Bobby); Mary’s nieces: Susan Hansen of Green Bay, WI, Sherri Hansen Roback and her husband Chuck of Sewell, NJ, Sally Hansen Breisch and her husband David of New Market, MD, and Sande Hansen Nelson and her husband Glen of Rochester, MN; together with a total of 7 great-nieces and nephews (Christopher, Christina, Jennifer, Joseph, Kathryn, Michael, and Daniel), one great-great niece (Natalie), and 3 great-great nephews (Samuel, Jacob, and Fox).

Private family memorial services will be held on July 23 & 24, 2021. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the DeForest Area Historical Society (203 Library St, DeForest, WI, 53532).