Daily Sitka Sentinel

Services Set June 11 For Patricia Ann Hansen, 90

Patricia Ann Hansen

 

Patricia Ann Hansen, a former Sitka resident, died May 8, 2021, in Palm Springs, California. She was 90.

Patricia’s family will gather at 1 p.m. Friday, June 11, at Sitka National Cemetery, to reunite her with her beloved husband.

Pat was born June 7, 1930, in Juneau, the daughter of Adam and Catherine Balog. In 1948 she graduated from Douglas High School, where she was active as a cheerleader and enjoyed singing in a trio. After graduation she attended secretary school in Seattle, Washington. She soon met Richard Hansen, and on April 30, 1955, she married the love of her life.

They settled first in Juneau, and after her husband decided to pursue an education degree they moved to Bellingham, Washington, where he attended Western Washington University. While they were there, Richard Jr. and John were born, joining their older sisters Cathie and Cindy. While Richard attended classes, Pat was busy with four little ones but still found time to type papers for other students to supplement the family income.

After graduation they moved to Petersburg, where Richard had accepted a position as wood shop teacher and boys basketball coach. With the arrival of Ron and Christie, Pat was now a mother of six. While her husband taught and coached, she took care of the children, maintained the household and still found time to be both a Cub Scout and Girl Scout Leader. In addition, she worked part time as a florist at the local flower shop.

Another move came in 1968 – to Sitka. Now all her kids were in school and Pat had time to work outside the home. She was energetic and a quick learner and was in demand as a substitute teacher, a florist and eventually a bank teller.

As the high school basketball team’s biggest cheerleader, she often hosted after-game get-togethers. With all her kids in sports her calendar had a full schedule of practices and games.

In 1976 a new job for her husband meant another move, this time to Wrangell. There she cheered for her two youngest children, worked in a jewelry store, and did day-care in her home.

In 1980 her husband retired from the education system and they moved back to Juneau, where she worked for the court system and cared for her elderly father.

Finally, time for retirement! The couple purchased a motorhome and spent the winters in Desert Hot Springs, California, and the summers in Alaska. For several summers she cooked on a fish processor and at False Island Lodge. Later, they enjoyed the summer months traveling throughout the state visiting friends and family.

Pat never sat still. If you knew her, you probably have one of the many colorful crocheted blankets she made. She was never without her hook and yarn. 

Pat was the heart and soul of her family. She was a devoted and loving wife, and a protector and staunch champion of her children. Often she took on the role of referee – with six children, there was always a competition or an argument to settle. She was strong, loving, and funny. Her family was her life and she instilled the importance of family in each of her children. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, sister Doris Wahto, father A.J. Balog and mother Catherine Balog.

Patricia is survived by her children: daughter Cathie (Jim) Strickland, of Desert Hot Springs, California, grandchildren Jason and Tricia (Michael) Detmer, and great-granddaughters Ally (Sean) Bramson and Emma; daughter Cindy (Jon) McGraw of Sitka, grandsons Jon, Mitchell, and Joshua, and great-grandchildren Hunter, Faith, Rowen, Joshua Jr., Maile; son Richard B. Hansen Jr. (Leslie) of University Place, Washington, grandsons Adam (Tiffani), Kristofer (Stacey), and great-grandsons Beckett, Maddox, Paxton and Neil.

Also, son John Hansen (Erin) of Sitka, grandchildren Renee, Kyle, Jeanette, Kory, Haley and Lee, and great-grandchildren Grace, Molly, Rita, Landon, Sawyer, Kai, Jonah, Alyssa, Jacob, Natilie, Amelia and Phinely; son Ron Hansen (Cindy) of Juneau, grandchildren Destry (John), Casey, Ronnie, Annie, Donna, and Sam (Kat), and great-grandchildren Savannah, Joey, Sierra, and Scarlett, Nico; and daughter Christie (Terry) Howard of Anchorage, granddaughters Amanda and Maddy; and many nieces and nephews.

The family may be contacted at 1204 Beardslee Street, Sitka, AK 99835.