Constance "Connie" Hansen

Constance "Connie" Hansen, a beacon of light and laughter, left us on June 11, 2024, at the age of 83, in McHenry, IL. Born on April 24, 1941, in the bustling city of Chicago, IL, to Jim and Mary Hess. She also had one sister, Arlene Prybell. They moved to Johnsburg in her teen years.
Connie's life was like a well-managed store, from the first customer greeting to the final sale of the day. Her 25-year career in retail saw her rise from a cashier to a manager, charming customers and colleagues alike with her wit and warmth. In 1984, she was crowned Employee of the Year at Osco Drug, but her crowning achievement was her unofficial title as the "Honorary Pharmacist," skillfully managing her husband's prescriptions with the precision of a maestro.
Speaking of her husband, Bob Hansen, the love story between these two could've given any rom-com a run for its money. She was introduced to Bob by his then current girlfriend. They ended up getting married on June 21, 1958, and spent the next 66 years raising 4 children and enjoying life together. Together, they created a family legacy with their children, Peggy (and Wayne) Blake, Jeff (and Tracy) Hansen, Sue (and Brian) Wimmer, and Greg (and Sue) Hansen, along with grandchildren and great grandchildren, Troy & Corrin Blake (Hunter and Madelyn), Brent & Andrea Blake, Cody & Alyssa Blake (Izaiah Terry, Walker, Maella), Casey Paramski (Landon, Nora), Ashley Hansen/Rick Freeman, Megan Hansen/Jim Korch, Taylor Smith (Brady, Nolan, Macy Mae), Matt Lukes, Chris Lukes, Noah Wimmer, Nick Hansen and Charlie Hansen, Rachel ( Vince) Rios Noyes.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Mary Hess, her sister Arlene Prybell and a nephew Gary Prybell.
Connie's backyard was her canvas, creating a sanctuary that would make Mother Nature envious. Her garden was not just a collection of plants; it was a slice of paradise where hummingbirds could indulge in the sweet nectar of life (and Connie's extra-sweet homemade concoction).
Connie loved her short trips to the Quad Cities to gamble. Those trips always included a stop at the Stockholm Inn in Rockford for Swedish pancakes. Carrot cake was her signature dish, and just like her garden, she made sure there was always enough to go around, ensuring no visitor left empty-handed.
Her adventurous spirit didn't stop at gardening. Connie and Bob shared a love for the great outdoors, casting their lines into the waters of the Mississippi River near La Crosse. Their little place by the river was more than a getaway; it was a treasure trove of memories, filled with fish tales that grew more elaborate with each telling. And let's not forget the cabin cruiser, the vessel of countless escapades on the chain, and the houseboat that bore witness to their epic journey down the Mississippi River.
Generous, thoughtful, and loving, Connie was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off her back, even if it was your size and she just happened to like it better on you. Her laughter was infectious, her spirit was indomitable, and her heart was as open as her garden gates. She had several special friends in her life, Joyce Scott, the Gough family, the Schuber family and the Milam family.
In life, Connie was the captain of her own ship, navigating through storms and sunshine with grace and a smile that could outshine the sun. Her legacy is not just in the beautiful world she cultivated or the family she nurtured, but in the laughter she left in our hearts.
As we bid farewell to Connie, we do so with the knowledge that somewhere out there, the hummingbirds are toasting to the sweetest soul they've ever known, and the fish are having a moment of silence for the one that truly got away. Connie, you may have cast off from this earthly shore, but the ripples of your love and laughter will be felt forever. Sail on, dear Connie, to that great garden in the sky, and save us a slice of carrot cake. We'll miss you dearly.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Sunday, June 23, 2024, from 1-3:00 pm followed by a service at 3:00 pm, at the Justen Funeral Home & Crematory, 3700 W. Charles Miller Road, McHenry, IL.
For information, please call the Funeral Home at 815-385-2400, or visit www. justenfh.com, where friends and loved ones may share memories of Connie on her tribute wall.