Doris E. Hanson

Shelburne Doris E. (Gould) Hanson, 78, of 9 Barnard Road, Shelburne, died July 27, after failing health, surrounded by her family, at Buckley Healthcare Center, Greenfield. She was born in Greenfield, Aug. 16, 1929, a daughter of Robert and Mildred (Wheeler) Gould. Doris was a 1947 graduate of Arms Academy and a 1951 graduate and Alpha Omega Sorority member of Bridgewater State College, where she majored in early childhood education. Doris taught young children in both the private and public sector. She married John V. Hanson of Bridgewater in 1953 and resided in Bridgewater until 1995 at which time she and John retired to Shelburne. While in Bridgewater, John and Doris operated Hanson Farm for over 30 years, milking cows and selling vegetables at the roadside. Central Square Congregational Church of Bridgewater and the First Congregational Church of Shelburne were a big part of Doris' life. She was active in the choir, the Women's Fellowship, served on committees and often arranged flowers for the altar. Doris was also active in the community. She was a member of the Scotland Women's Club, the Bridgewater Garden Club, the Shelburne Historical Society, the Grange and Bridgewater Council of Churches. Her hobbies included gardening, singing, arranging flowers, square dancing, bird watching, jigsaw puzzles and eating ice cream. She is survived by her husband, John, and their three children and their spouses and six grandchildren, David, Janet and Lukas Hanson, Robert, Linda, Karl and Bryan Hanson, Carol, Philip, Jill, Austin and Tyler Chaffee; her two sisters, Lucille Temple of Florence, Margaret Temple of Ipswich; and her brother, Harold and his wife Sandy of Amherst; and many more family and friends. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held Saturday, Aug. 9, at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in Shelburne with Rev. Paul B. Nickerson, former pastor of Central Square Congregational Church, Bridgewater, and Leslie Ann Fraser of First Congregational Church of Shelburne, officiating. Burial will be at Shelburne Center Cemetery, with a reception to follow. An additional service will be held in Bridgewater, Sept. 20, at 4 p.m. at the Central Square Congregational Church, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested donations be made to the Central Square Congregational Church, 71 Central Square, Bridgewater, MA 02324, or to BSC Alpha Omega Scholarship Fund, Davis Alumni, Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, MA 02325.