Barbara Hanson Obituary

Barbara Hanson, gourmand, connoisseur, artist & entrepreneur passed away on October 28, 2008. Born in 1951 to Ralph & Lillian Hanson, she grew up in Bristol, RI, and graduated class of '69 Bristol High School.

She is survived by her father, Ralph Hanson of Bristol; her sister, Elizabeth Hanson of Shrewsbury, Mass; two brothers, Mark Hanson of Braintree, Mass. and Jeffrey Hanson of Wakefield, RI. Barbara was an adoring, doting aunt to five nephews, (Bobby, Andy, Jack, Michael & Mark); and two nieces, (Jordan and Katie).

Barbara owned and operated Pleasures Of The Table, a gourmet catering service, and once catered a birthday party for her dear friend, fellow chef Julia Child. Due to failing health in 2004, Barbara gave up her business, but continued cooking and creating for all those dear to her. She had an unsurpassed generosity and an "open door" policy to her home in Amherst. She will be remembered fondly for her individual, creative, and gentle spirit.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for a memorial donation be made to Brookfield Farm (a community supported agricultural co-op for the Pioneer Valley), PO Box 227, Amherst, MA 01004 or to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation in Barbara's memory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette on Oct. 31, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Hanson

5 Entries

Marion Abrams

October 25, 2023

Barbara was a great "aunt" to our daughter Olivia. She was very generous with her time and celebrated every holiday, especially Christmas. I remember her fondly for that.

Hrayr Tamzarian

October 25, 2023

Dear friend. I remember you whenever I am cooking. You always had a shortcut or a great suggestion. We shared cookbooks and stories. We shared family and friends. I miss you.

Elizabeth Hanson

November 4, 2008

Dear Sister Barbara, It amazes me how different we were from each other, yet how alike. . .we had the same taste in art, music, pottery, jewelry, antiques. . .and boy, did we both love shells, animals, and stones. You have gone from my sight for now, but not from my mind. I know you've finally found peace. My love, Betty, (and Tom & Jordan).

Jeffrey Hanson

November 4, 2008

Dear Barbara,
I love you and I will miss you. Penney, Hobbs, Calvin and I have welcomed Giorgio to our home with welcome arms. Thank you for letting us adopt Giorgio. We think of you when we see him, walk him, feed him (human food), go to sleep and wake up with him under the covers. I promise to keep him comfortable and safe.

Hrayr Tamzarian

November 1, 2008

Barbara was a talented artist, a self-taught chef and an avid reader. She was generous to everyone she met and befriended. She loved all children and treated them as her own family. She was a loving aunt to my daughter Livvie and would lavish her with gifts on every occasion. She loved traditional holidays like Christmas, thanksgiving and her favorite, ground-hog day. She made sure that no detail was spared to celebrate the history, the cultural significance and the traditions. She embraced new ones as she met people from other cultures and learned the significance of each. She did crafts, knitted and made gifts for family and friends during the holidays. Her spirit and joy of all things precious made us stop and reflect on our own lives. I for one learned much about American history from Barbara like 4th of July celebration in Bristol and the joys of summer vacations in Maine. Barbara loved animals and dressed them up for the holidays. Even my cat Bessie who hated everyone would let Barbara put a red bow on her head for Christmas.
Barbara would take her nephews and nieces on hay rides, pumpkin picking and insisted on selecting the largest Christmas tree for her house. We often had to help her cut branches and trim the top to get it inside. We spent hours unwrapping the crystal
snowflakes she was fond of collecting, and hung each one very carefully on the branches.

One of Barbara's unique talents was to get people from all walks of life together. She welcomed the weary, the tired and those without immediate family in the area to her home. She made us all part of her social circle and made us feel important.

I can go on and on about stories and events shared with Barbara, her family and mine. I am sure everyone she touched feels fortunate to have known her, to have befriended her and to have loved her. Barbara was my special friend and I am going to miss her terribly.

Hrayr

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