Lucille V. Hansen, age 95, passed away July 16, 2018 at Presbyterian Manor in Lawrence, Kansas. She was born August 9, 1922 in Lawrence to Willard H. and Mary R. Hanna Hayden.
Lucille grew up on a farm at what was then known as Hayden’s Corner with her four sisters. She attended Oak Ridge School in Grant Township and graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1939. The following year, she attended the University of Kansas and later married William (Bill) E. Hansen in January 1941. Bill joined the Army Air Corp before World War II, eventually becoming an officer in the United States Air Force. Lucille and Bill moved 39 times and had the good fortune to live throughout the United States. She worked as a bookkeeper in Florida, Alaska, and Texas. Lucille and Bill also lived in Adana, Turkey with their young daughters for a two-year period in the early 1960’s. Lucille was a well-known local artist producing hundreds of oil paintings. Her specialty was local landscapes and pressed flower arrangements. She successfully exhibited her works in Lawrence’s “Art-in-the-Park” for 15 years.
Lucille also traveled extensively with her sisters. They enjoyed vacations throughout the United States and many overseas destinations which included Russia, the Middle East, most of Europe, as well as cruises to Central and South America.
In later years, Lucille and three of her sisters built condominiums in a Lawrence subdivision. Fondly known by nieces and nephews as the Aunt Colony, she enjoyed nightly suppers with her sisters followed by games of bridge. Lucille loved playing bridge and was a member of several local bridge clubs for many years. Lucille is survived by her daughter, Kay Hansen Hopkins, and Kay’s husband, Larry, of Topeka, by her sisters Della Hadley and Vera Dellwig of Lawrence and by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Rebecca Sue Hansen, in 2005, and her husband, Bill, in 1980.
A visitation will be Friday, July 20, 2018 from 6-7 pm, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A private family burial will be scheduled at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS 66044 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
*Rebecca, not Susan. While I can remember turtleneck preference, names get mixed around!
I had the pleasure of caring for Lucille about 2 years ago. For such a tiny little thing, she made such a large impact on my heart. I loved looking at the photo albums she put together and listening to her stories. It’s a funny thing, working in a place that is home to a person. I remember staying after work one day to read the memoir she had and spend some time with her. Eating lunch with her was a guaranteed highlight of my day, her presence alone was uplifting. There are many things I will always remember about Lucille. The intricacy of her art, which turtleneck/trouser combinations she preferred, her love of chocolate. One of the things that stood out the most about Lucille was her love for her daughters. Her pride in both Kay and Susan could not be phrased as anything but radiant. My deepest sympathies are with all her knew and love her.
Mrs. Hopkins (Kay) and I often shared our love and affection between Kay and her mother and the love I have for my grandmother.
Kay has such a warm, understanding spirit and we often shared wonderful experiences regarding the matriarch of our families .
My Dear Friend, praying the peace of God as you live without her in the flesh but, forever in you heart.
Grace and Peace
My prayers and thoughts are with the family. While I did not have the privilege of knowing Mrs. Hansen, the mother of an amazing woman – Kay Hopkins, I know from many others that she was an incredible lady that poured love into so many. Her daughter, Mrs. Kay Hopkins reflects such a beautiful spirit to all she encounters, and after reading the obituary and listening to others, I see where she gets it from. Today in meeting with principals, I passed around a card and so many had such thoughtful comments about uplifting stories about Mrs. Hansen and the beautiful relationship they knew Mrs. Hopkins had with her mother. Her spirit and legacy lives on through Mrs. Hopkins and so many others she impacted before transitioning to everlasting life. May God’s grace and comfort shower over you as you reflect on the many ways Mrs. Hansen’s life will continue to impact many others. I will continue to uplift all in the Hopkins-Hansen family in prayer. May love surround you during this time and remind you that she is always with you daily in spirit.
So sorry to hear of Lucille’s passing. She was a lovely, caring lady who I always enjoyed talking with. My prayers go out to all the sisters for your loss.