Norma Hansen

Norma Peterson Hansen quietly passed away on November 24 2011, in Boise Idaho, surrounded by loved ones at her granddaughter’s home. This was her Thanksgiving blessing. Norma was born April 13, 1924 to Lester and Nellie May Peterson in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the last of five children: Marie, Lester, Ruth, and George. In her youth, Norma moved with her family several times, attending several schools throughout her school-age years. Her family finally settled back in Idaho Falls. During these moves, in the 3rd grade, she met a girl who would become her dearest friend for life -- Marie Call Cawley. Norma loved dancing and it was this love that lead her to the true love of her life at the New Years Eve dance in 1941. There she met her future husband and partner for life, Lynn Hansen. Eight months later they were married in Seattle Washington on August 10, 1942 at Lynn’s sister’s home. Norma and Lynn were blessed with three beautiful children. The first to come was their daughter, Carolyn Lee, then their son Ronald Lynn, and finally their second daughter Sandra Jo. These would not be the only three children Norma would be a mother to. Through the years, several nephews and grandchildren called her home their home for some period of their lives. There were also just as many if not more children that she mothered over the years, who considered her their second mother, even to this day. The purpose to Norma’s life was quite clear from the beginning: our Heavenly Father sent her here as a one of His compassionate angels, to give others unconditional love just as He does. Shortly after getting married, Norma and her family moved in with her invalid mother, to help care for her. Even though taking care of her mother was a fulltime job, she also found time to continue to help others. Through these acts of kindness towards others throughout the years, she showed her family and all who knew her the true definition of unconditional love and service. She was a cherished angel to every life she touched. Though family was the most important thing in her life, she had lots of other interests and hobbies she enjoyed. She loved to sew, knit, and cook. She also enjoyed going on camping trips under the stars and fishing, especially with Marie and Jack Cawley. She would often go to her brother George’s cabin to have fun and in the winter to go snowmobiling. Later in life, she enjoyed watching and feeding all the squirrels and birds in the backyard with her husband. She also discovered Bingo which brought her much happiness and many more cherished friends. And of course there was her love of cards. You didn’t truly know Norma if you hadn’t played cards with her. It was in a card game that she received the affectionate nick-name “Nasty Norma” from her son-in-law, Richard. She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn L (Richard) Elwood of Boise, ID; son Ron (Mary Ann) Hansen of Pocatello; daughter Sandy (Mike) Fernandez of Las Vegas; sister Ruth Wood of Idaho Falls; 11 Grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren with two on the way; her dearest friend Marie Cawley and her constant companion Yogi, her four legged child. Norma was preceded in death by her best friend and love of her life, her husband, Lynn; by both her parents; her brothers, Lester and George; Sister, Marie; and several other friends and loved ones including all of her wonderful pets over the years. Funeral Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday December 3, 2011 at Wood Funeral Home (273 North Ridge Avenue). The family will visit with friends from 1 to 1:45 p.m. prior to services at Wood’s. Burial will be in the Ucon Cemetery at a later date. The Family would like to thank all those who helped take care of Norma, especially those with Hearts for Hospice in both Idaho Falls and Boise, and all of the people at Promontory Point Rehabilitation for the love and care you gave her. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to any animal shelter or the charity of your choice.

Memorial Services -- Saturday

Saturday December 3, 2011 , 2:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home

The family will visit with friends from 1 to 1:45 p.m. prior to services at Wood's. Burial will be in the Ucon Cemetery at a later date.