Carolyn Hansen, 97, of Willow Valley in Willow Street, Pa., died peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 15, surrounded by her family.
Carolyn was born on Feb. 28, 1920, in Minneapolis, Minn., to the late Orrin E. and Robina Leask Dunkerton. She worked briefly as a dental hygienist prior to marrying Irving Hansen. She traveled extensively across the U.S., due to Irving’s work with Research Cottrell installing pollution control equipment at power plants. Despite the transient nature of her life, she created a nurturing environment for her children wherever they moved and made numerous friends along the way. Carolyn and Irving retired to Pagosa Springs. Following Irving’s passing, Carolyn moved to Willow Street, Pa.
She was a devoted wife and mother, a woman of joyful faith and warm hospitality. She enjoyed vigorous walks, games of Scrabble and good books. Above all, Carolyn’s life was defined by her steadfast faith in Jesus Christ.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Irving (1916-94); by her daughter, Gail (1943-2000); by two brothers, Mark and Ned; and two sisters, June and Joanne.
She is survived by two sons: William Hansen, husband of Juliana; Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic; and Larry Hansen, New Mexico; a brother, Thomas Dunkerton, Charlottesville, Va.; and a sister, Gwen Pinkham, Willow Street, Pa. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Jonathan Hjembo, husband of Alison; Karl Hjembo, husband of Alyssa; Carolina, wife of J.R. Hart; Sally, wife of Paul Minnick, and nine great-grandchildren.
