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LINDA HANSON Obituary
LINDA MELVIN HANSON
Passed in Dunedin, New Zealand on January 26, 2017. She was the beloved wife of John C. Hanson and mother of Jeremy Hanson-Gutierrez (Melissa) and Heather Hanson-Rivas (William & Fernanda). She is also survived by her mother, Mary Ann Melvin; sisters, Susan McBride and Patricia Melvin; brother, William Melvin and several nieces. Linda was born in San Francisco but moved to Alexandria as a young girl. Her father's position in the US State Department took her to Quito, Ecuador, Caracas, Venezuela and Managua, Nicaragua where she became fluent in Spanish. She graduated from Bowie High School in 1970 and from the University of Maryland with a degree in music in 1974. In 1978 she met John and married the love of her life in fall of 1979. Throughout her life she assumed new roles with her church as a musician, Reading Room librarian and often served on the board. She even held a position at the Federal Office of the Christian Science Committee of Publication office in DC. During her early years of motherhood she was the neighborhood piano teacher and served on the PTA. She started taking a more active role in the city of Gaithersburg, serving on the Old Town Advisory board and in the Old Town Merchants Association as her children grew up. Linda also was an avid runner and regular volunteer with Montgomery County Road Runners. Through her running friends, she took on physical goals and challenges that she never thought possible. Running isn't a full-time job so she also started volunteering with Gaithersburg HELP during the early 2000's. First just assisting with pick-ups and helping with food drives. Then she stepped into the role of executive director. Linda was an active member and the past president of the Gaithersburg Rotary club. Linda was known for her quick smile and love of all different kinds of people. She will be fondly remembered for the role she played in her family and within her community. A Celebration of Life will be held on February 11, 2017 at 1 p.m., in the Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center. In lieu of flowers, please support Gaithersburg HELP ([email protected]).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for LINDA HANSON
Michael Morris
February 13, 2017
I learned more about your life and how many people you touched, the community misses you is is comforted in the fond memories shared during the memorial service.
Diana Swanson
February 9, 2017
Linda was an extraordinarily important contributor to the Gaithersburg Rotary Club. I remember how impressed I was with her connections to the City of Gaithersburg and all of her volunteer activities. Linda supported me during my years on the Rotary club board, always giving good advice, and I was proud of the work she did as Club President. She was a champion of the high school Interact program and welcomed us into her home on numerous occasions. I marveled at her ability to run marathons! That really took spunk. Above all, I consider myself lucky to have had a friend like Linda. I send my love and condolences to her family. I believe she is looking after us from beyond.
Elizabeth and Diedrich Wolff
February 9, 2017
The Wolff family is so sorry to hear about the passing of Linda. When Diedrich and Fran were in Troop 291, we occasionally met Linda at events and she always welcomed us with a smile and laughing spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with John, Jeremy and Heather. Again accept our deepest sympathy.
Judith Clark
February 9, 2017
I send my prayers to Lindas family and friends. I am grateful to have met such a dear committed woman of God
Patricia Drumming
February 9, 2017
All of our hearts and prayers here at Rainbow are with you. Linda was a true champion of fighting hunger and poverty. She loved and cared genuinely for people and their well-being. She will be missed and always remembered.
Pete Kimbis
February 8, 2017
My sincerest condolences to Linda's family, friends, and The City of Gaithersburg for your loss.
Respectfully,
Pete Kimbis
On Our Own Of Montgomery County, Inc.
Rick Peters
February 8, 2017
I first met Linda before Heather and Jeremy were on the scene, and it was my pleasure to see her put into raising a family the same sense of loving involvement that characterized her engagement with life writ large. She brought her cheerful outlook to everything she did, she accomplished much, and she left everyone she touched the better for it.
Linda Gaskill
February 8, 2017
John, Heather & Jeremy - Jim and I send our sincerest condolences on your loss. Linda was a genuinely nice person who never met anyone she did not like! She was one of our favorite people in the neighborhood.
The Patrick Breen Family
February 8, 2017
Linda was an inspiration to all who knew her. I first met Linda 25+years ago at Rockville Co-op Nursery School when we were both on the Board.Her love of family and strong sense of community spirit was evident from the start. She has positively impacted the lives of so many as have you John Hanson. How lucky we have been to know the Hanson family and how lucky you were to have Linda as your own!
Ralph & Paula Bunge
February 7, 2017
To Linda's family and dearest friends,
We were deeply saddened to learn that Linda died so unexpectedly. She was a bright star in life! May your beautiful memories of her at work & play sustain you as you mourn & may the Peace of the Lord be with you.
Sincerely,
Ralph & Paula Bunge
Margo Goldman
February 7, 2017
I feel blessed to have had the time to get to know Linda as a friend and to have volunteered with her at Gaithersburg HELP. I shall always remember her great spirit, kindness, and commitment to her faith. John, Jeremy, and Heather: I hope you will find comfort in knowing that so many people are keeping you in their hearts and prayers.
Kathleen Mayer
February 7, 2017
I am so sorry to hear this. Linda was such a special and happy person. My condolences.
Anne May
February 7, 2017
My prayers of condolence go out to the family and also her "family" at Gaithersburg HELP. We have lost a true champion and our "energenizer bunny" with the winning smile and willing help.
Jane Boynton
February 7, 2017
I am so sorry and send love to John, Heather, Will, Fernanda, Jeremy and Melissa. Linda contributed so much to her family, church and community and she will be greatly missed.
Alicia Hanson
February 7, 2017
because (your mother) lived (her) soul
love is the whole and more than all ~ e.e. cummings.
February 7, 2017
A special person to so many. Thanks for everything mom!
Joan Ball
February 7, 2017
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Paul Jones
February 7, 2017
We have lost a great community leader and a wonderful friend!
Maureen Herndon
February 7, 2017
We will all sorely miss Linda and our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. She will be an inspiration to us forever through her incredible example of love, celebration of life, sense of humor and caring. Love to you all
Janet Neumann
February 7, 2017
John, Jeremy and Heather, my heart goes out to you in this time of grief. We all hold many dear memories of how she could light up a room and of the many ways she touched so many in our community. We are all better for having had the opportunity to be her colleague and friend.
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