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Gwendolyn HANSEN Obituary
She was a teacher and a band director at Denbigh High School and Dozier Middle School from 1966-1986. She was later appointed Supervisor of Music for Newport News Public Schools. She retired in 2001 after 35 years of service.
She was a faithful member of Warwick Memorial United Methodist Church since 1966, and served as Chair of the Capital Campaign to build the church's Celebration Center. She was also an avid bridge player.
Mrs. Hansen is survived by her loving husband of 55 ½ years, Keith L. Hansen; three sons, Steve Hansen and domestic partner, Dennis Adams, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., David Hansen and wife, Sue, of Raleigh, N.C., and Mark Hansen and wife, Jill, of O'Fallon Ill.; two sisters, Roberta Newcomer and husband, Dale, of WaKeeney, Kan., and Joanne Bender and husband, Darryl, of Arlington, Texas. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Chris, Rachel, Rebekah, Nathan, Megan, Jon and Elisabeth; numerous extended family and many former students whom she inspired to pursue careers in music and education.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5, at Weymouth Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010, at Warwick Memorial United Methodist Church by the Rev. Bill Davidson. Interment will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010, in Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Warwick United Methodist Church Building Fund, 38 Hoopes Rd., Newport News, VA 23602.
Arrangements are by Weymouth Funeral Home. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gwendolyn HANSEN
Cynthia Swanson
November 21, 2010
I was saddened to hear the news of Mrs. Hansen's passing. She had such a positive influence on generation of Denbigh area students. Most of us continue to have a love and appreciation for music, even if not by occupation. I played my clarinet thru college and sang off-Bwy in NYC just for fun, because of the solid musical foundation she provided. All 3 of my brothers and my sister were in Mrs. Hansen's bands. Keith, I will always remember your kindness as my math teacher and I offer my condolences to you and your family.
Denise Prince-Hinton
November 16, 2010
My most sincere sympathies to the Hansen family in the lost of Mrs Hansen. I have fond memories of band classes at Denbigh & Dozier. She always pressed you for more, for your best. She never allowed you to settle for less. Heaven will be blessed by her presence.
Marjory Eichelberger
November 14, 2010
To the Hansen Family,
Gwen nurtured all three of our sons in music from Elementary School to High School. They all remain in music activities of some kind and their love for music was nurtured by Gwen. She was loved by all and we appreciated everything she did for our children and the schools of Newport News. She will be greatly missed. You have our sincere sympathy.
Marjory and Charles Eichelberger
Jeff Nelson
November 13, 2010
Mrs. Hansen was an inspiration from my time at R.O. Nelson through my years at Denbigh High. Through all my years I made it a point to speak to her no matter where I saw her. I Thank God for letting her be a part of my life and Thank her family for sharing their Mom with us all.
Becky Robbins
November 7, 2010
Oh how lucky we were to have walked along the way with such a lady. She was a teacher's teacher, a model beyond compare. Her smile brought joy to many and her music filled our hearts. Keith and family, my prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
Linda Williams-Grant
November 6, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are extended to Keith and the rest of the Hansen family as you endure this most difficult time in your lives. I taught with Gwen and Keith at Denbigh High School many years ago. I found Gwen to possess excellence as an educator, woman of God, and co-worker! Her presence in this life will be sorely missed; however, I know she is already directing a heavenly band. May God bless and comfort your entire family.
Jeraldine Herbison
November 6, 2010
I worked with Gwen at Dozier Middle School from 1980 until 1986 when she became Supervisor of Music.
I shall always remember Gwen as an inspired teacher, educator and band director. She was a great supervisor of music who always strove to bolster music and music teaching in the public schools. As a supervisor her actions always seemed fair, thorough, and just. She was a good friend to me in times of trouble, and had a wonderful mothering quality to many of her music students. God's blessings on those you leave behind.
Bill White
November 6, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mrs Hansen got me started playing the tuba 42 years ago at Denbigh High School & I still love to play at every opportunity. Her music continues on in all our lives!
Stephanie Raitch (Mocilan)
November 5, 2010
Gwen's love of music captivated many students and drove us to higher levels of skills as well as the desire to share our love of music with others around us. Gwen played a wonderful role of encouraging me in my Violin studies even as a band director she cared about the String kids. I will always remember Gwen. For those of her family that remain, you should know that Gwen's affections and care with so many students will go further than you may ever know.
Joseph Brown
November 5, 2010
I will miss Mrs. Hanson dearly. She was my favorite band teacher.She was an inspiration to me as a trumpet player in her Doizer band for two years in 1973 amd 1974. I was thinking about her the other day when i was reading the Denbigh High Band web site on FB. My Mother sent me an e-mail this mornign and I wish to send my sympathy to the Hansen family.
Fran Auman (Johnson)
November 4, 2010
Gwen Hansen played a major part in developing my love of music and was a very positive role model in my life as well as all the lives of the students she taught. She was a inspiration to anyone who met her and will be greatly missed. To her family, I send my thoughts and prayers. To Steve, David and Mark...your Mom was the greatest and will have a special place in many hearts! To Mr. Hansen...thank you for sharing your wife with us. She touched many lives and made a real difference!
November 4, 2010
I was saddened to hear of her passing. It's a sad day for all of her past students. I had the pleasure of being her student at RO Nelson and going with her to Denbigh High. She made us feel special being a MinuteMan, then when we became Patriots, she wished us the best. Sge always had time for her students, she treated us like family. Music may be quiet for us, but, there is music in Heaven and she is leading the band.
Cheryl (Rudisal) Jefferys
Newport News, Va
Jamie (Gillam) Smith
November 4, 2010
I was saddened to hear of her passing. Although it has been many years since I have seen Mrs. Hansen, she was my music/band instructor when I was at Dozier & I know if my dad (who passed last year) were still here, he has many memories of her as well especially since my dad repaired flutes including many of those who were my classmates both at Dozier and Denbigh. The music, Mrs. Hansen, is temporarily silent in mourning your passing. The love of music & band that you instilled in all of us, your students past and present, remains ever in our hearts, our minds, our lives and in the lives of our children. Take care & thank you for all that you did for us! We will miss you! Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Charlene (Copeland) Morris
November 4, 2010
Although I have not seen Mrs. Hansen in many years, I have fond memories of her. She was my band director beginning at R.O. Nelson Elementary thru my early years at DHS when we were the Minutemen band. She was such an inspiration to all of us. We always knew she truly cared for each one of us which in turn made us work even harder for her. My thoughts and prayers are with the Hansen family during this difficult time.
Myra Wheat
November 4, 2010
My prayers go out to the Hansen family during this difficult time. My hope is that the many entries posted here will provide solace and comfort to you. Mrs. Hansen was my band director at Denbigh High School, and she was the best! Her dedication to her students and her profession were unparalleled. She was one incredible woman! Her legacy will continue for many years.
Gary Silvey
November 4, 2010
Gwen was a great teacher and wonderful friend and she will be missed by many. My sincere condolences to Keith and the whole Hansen family. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
November 4, 2010
Keith,
George and I send our condolences to you and your family. We loved Gwen and feel very fortunate to have known you. Our prayers are with you and your family at this time. George and Cornelia Eddy
Monika & Mitch Mitchell
November 4, 2010
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss.
November 4, 2010
I will always remember the first day of band practice at Denbigh High School. We were all eager to begin, little did we know on that day, not only would Mrs. Hansen start shaping us into musicians, but also began molding us into young adults.
Mrs. Hansen brought the best out in each of us and bonded us together as her students.
Chris and I send our condolences to her family and all that called her a friend.
Susie Butler and Chris Herring
Jim Price
November 4, 2010
My sincere condolences to Mrs. Hansen's family, particularly to you David and Mark with whom I played trumpet at Denbigh High School. Mrs. Hansen was my first band teacher at Willis A Jenkins Elementary School and my Junior High Band director at Denbigh. We have lost a great and inspriring lady and heaven has gained a true saint.
Mary Lou Parson
November 4, 2010
Please accept our most sincere condolences for your loss. Mrs. Hansen was my first music teacher in 5th grade and followed me to Denbigh High School. I always looked for her smiling face the last few years at the Church's annual "Cookie Walk". Our hearts are with you and your family during this difficult period.
Lynne Peterson
November 4, 2010
Mrs. Hansen had a rare gift for inspiring both students and teachers. In all my years in NNPS I never heard anything but positive comments about her. She will be missed as a point of light in this world.
Randy Whatley
November 3, 2010
Keith, Steve, David, and Mark,
I've known you all and Gwen since 1969, when she was my Junior Band director at Denbigh High, and graduated with Steve from Denbigh High. Few teachers of any subject have influenced my life as she did. She wanted us all to reach our potential in music and in life. She inspired me to continue music into college as part of the marching and concert bands at Purdue. I had the priviledge to introduce my wife to both Keith and Gwen seven years ago. She was the same gracious, hospitable, caring lady I had known over 30 years prior. She touched an enormous number of lives over the years for the good and she will be missed by us all. May the Lord be with you all in this time of great personal loss.
John Doren
November 3, 2010
Mark and family,
Your mom touched so many lives in such a positive way. She will live in the hearts and memories of those who loved her. Our condolences. Love Kathy, John, and Ginni Doren
Elizabeth Munn (Lucas)
November 3, 2010
Our thoughts are prayers are with the entire Hansen family at this most difficult time. Mrs. Hansen was a wonderful person who blessed all of us in a very special way with the gift of music. She was an inspiration to us all.
Lars Lorentson
November 3, 2010
Sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs. Hansen. My condolences to the Hansen family
Sharon Davenport
November 3, 2010
To the Hansen family, I am so sorry for your loss. Ms. Hansen was an inspiration to so many. Thinking of all of you at this time.
Jonathan Hargis
November 3, 2010
Gwen Hansen was a tremendous influence for me and many of my peers. Her dedication to our profession and her high expectations allowed me to grow into the teacher I have become today. To Keith and your family, my sincere condolences.........Gwen will be missed by many, but never forgotten. Much Love and thanks for sharing Gwen with so many of us!!!!!
Deborah Sarvay
November 3, 2010
Gwen gave me my first job at Reservoir. Her advice and demands of excellence will live forever. Gwen was not only my supervisor but a second mother. She will be missed.
Terry Chapman Kellum
November 3, 2010
I remember Mrs. Hansen from DIS. She was a wonderful teacher and a great inspiration. Thinking of her family at this difficult time.
Edward McClellan
November 3, 2010
My prayers and condolences are extended to the Hansen family. Gwen Hansen was such a strong influence on me as music teacher/band director teaching in Newport New and even today as I work with future music teachers as university coordinator of music education. She was such a wonderful person and support for so many people.
Denise Agre-Gill
November 3, 2010
I remember Mrs. Hansen so fondly. She encouraged me and taught me to always be proud of myself. My condolences to the whole family.
Janell Jordan
November 3, 2010
Sincere sympathy to the family. She was my band and homeroom teacher at Dozier. I have fond memories of her.
Glenn Winters
November 3, 2010
Years ago, when I was teaching a music history class for Newport News' Summer Institute for the Arts, Gwen came quickly into my classroom because she had heard my voice raised from down the hall and was concerned. She quickly realized that I had just been waxing enthusiastic about a piece of music we'd been listening to and was trying to generate some enthusiasm in the students. This she understood, and left us all to it with a smile on her face. I can't imagine anyone who ever worked with her not having the highest opinion of her.
Sheila Downs
November 3, 2010
She had high expectations for all of us and pushed all of us to be the best musicians and teachers possible. She was highly influential in my life as both a student and music teacher. Gwen Hanson will be greatly missed! My prayers are with the Hansen family...God Bless You!!
Cathy Worley
November 3, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are extended to Gwen's family and friends. Gwen was a wonderful person and a mainstay in my life and the music community. I am thankful for her support and guidance when I began my music career in 1991. She will be missed by many. Much love is extended to her family. Cathy Worley
Agnes Woody McGrath
November 3, 2010
I will always remember Mrs. Hansen with love. I thank her for teaching me discipline and hard work in middle school. I thank her for demonstrating the values of a teacher--dedication, joy, and love for the content. She is one of many instructors who have inspired me to remain open to change and growth. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Laine Larrison-Riley
November 3, 2010
Gwen was a lovely person and amazing role model. My prayers and thoughts are with the family.
Belinda Langston
November 3, 2010
My prayers and thoughts go to the family - Gwen was a wonderful educator and friend. May God Bless you!
Becky Riebeling
November 3, 2010
Gwen was first my middle school band director, then my supervisor, and finally my friend and sister in Delta Kappa Gamma. She was an amazing woman and will be greatly missed. My condolences to all the family.
Christy Riebeling
November 3, 2010
My most sincere sympathy to all of Gwen's loved ones. I know she will be greatly missed, but she leaves an incredible legacy. One part of her legacy is my sister, Becky, who is among the many that Gwen inspired and supported as a music educator.
Vicki Blowe-High
November 3, 2010
Keith,
My prayers are with you and your family. I last spoke to Mrs. Hansen in 2002 when I informed her of my decision to start playing the flute again and that I needed her help in locating Mr. Gilliam, the flute repair specialist. She was very pleased and supportive that I decided to enter back into the world of music. I have nothing but fond memories of her and feel blessed that she was a part of my musical journey.
Joann and Bob George
November 3, 2010
Sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Gwen. I was in Home Dem. with her for several years and enjoyed her company and inspiration. We will be praying for you during this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
Joann George
Shirley Beale
November 3, 2010
Mrs. Hansen was my band director at Denbigh High. As a teacher in NN, I ran into her often over the years. She always remembered my name and showed interest in me and my family. My son was in the band at Warwick when she was the Music Supervisor and she was at every concert, still showing a real interest in the music program AND the students! The last time I saw her was a few years ago at Denbigh Day, watching the bands in the parade! What a dear lady!
H. Todd Stone
November 3, 2010
Gwen was an inspiration and role model for me as a teacher. It was a pleasure to stand in her footsteps for many years at Dozier. My thoughts and prayers to Keith and the family.
Amanda West Rossettini
November 3, 2010
Gwen was an incredible role model to me, and I will always value her guidance and advice. She will be missed.
Robert and Sarah Brown
November 3, 2010
Our hearts go out to Keith, Steve, David, Mark and their families . Gwen was a great lady and a wonderful teacher. She will be missed by all of her former students and colleagues who knew and loved her.
Jennifer Gratto
November 3, 2010
Gwen will forever remain an inspiration and role model for me. Love to all of her family~
Mike August
November 3, 2010
I would not be the person or musician I am today without Gwen's guidance and encouragement. From grade school through to adulthood, she was a wonderful teacher and friend and I will miss her. My condolences to the family.
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