Elaine Hansen

1946 - 2015

Elaine M. Hansen

December 27, 1946 - August 12, 2015

Elaine Marie Smalley was born December 27, 1946 in Long Beach, California, the middle daughter of Frank and Marjorie Smalley. From her parents Elaine learned values and skills and acquired traits that served her well her entire life.

Elaine graduated from the University of California San Francisco Medical Center with a degree in Physical Therapy. In California Elaine worked at the renowned Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center and was an instructor in the Department of Physical Therapy of School of Medicine at Stanford University. Elaine also served as a temporary medical volunteer in the Peace Corps in Lima, Peru, following the devastating earthquake there in 1970. Elaine moved with her family to Gates, OR in 1979 and worked as a physical therapist in home health in and around the Santiam Canyon for 26 years. To Elaine being a physical therapist was never about having a job; it was about helping people. Elaine loved being a PT!

Elaine had a wide variety of hobbies and interests. She was an avid gardener; she enjoyed handwork such as counted cross stitch and was a master quilter; and she was an acclaimed baker of homemade bread and pies.

Elaine was a member of the Mill City Presbyterian Church for 36 years serving as both an Elder and Deacon. Elaine was a charter member of Chapter EU of PEO; she was a longtime volunteer for Santiam Canyon Young Life and for several years hosted girls from Santiam High School for campaigner breakfasts. Elaine was a member of the Board of Directors of Santiam Hospital for several years, an activity she enjoyed and fulfilled its responsibilities faithfully.

As important as her career and her hobbies and interests were, none were more important nor was she more devoted to than her family. Elaine raised three sons; for years she proudly wore her hand-embroidered sweatshirt which read "If a mother's place is in the home, why am I always at a ball game?" Elaine and Curtis Hansen were married in Crestline, CA, in 1971, thus enjoying 44 years of marriage. Elaine is survived by husband Curtis of Gates; sons Scott (Kara) of Shoreline, WA, Tobin (Kris) of Eugene, OR and Mark (Alisha) of Gates; grandchildren Grace and Soren of Shoreline and Payte and Grant of Gates; sisters Joanne Schouw (Dick) of Gulfport, MS, and Kathy (Felipe) of Santa Clarita, CA; cousin Mike Ablutz (Chris) of Portland; and several other cousins and nieces and nephews. Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, infant granddaughters Josie Jean and Claire Marie, and niece Darcey Schouw.

Elaine was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in March 2007. With the care and guidance of many health care professionals, the help and support of many loving friends and family, the belief and faith in a forgiving and loving God, plus her own determination, Elaine battled the disease far longer than most people initially thought possible. She was a model and an inspiration to all who were part or became part of her journey.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Santiam Hospital, Santiam Canyon Young Life or Mill City Presbyterian Church.

Memorial Services will be at 1:00 pm Sunday, Aug. 16th at the Santiam Jr/Sr High School Auditorium in Mill City, OR. Assisting the family is Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.