Deborah Hansen

It is with deep and tender sadness that we share the sudden passing of our beautiful mother, Deborah “Debbie” Mona Hansen on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the age of 71. She was a source of steadfast encouragement and the love she gave remains woven into everything we are.

Her love and presence will be deeply missed by her husband of 51 years, Harold; her daughter Tamara Reese (Jeremy); their four children Owen, Gillen, Campbell and Colton; her son Christopher Hansen (Barbara); their daughters Landyn and Clark; her son Dane Hansen (Lauren) and their children Aspen and Eli. She is also lovingly remembered by her brothers Harry Owens and Timothy Owens; and her sister Lynda (Owens) Brown. Debbie now joins in peace with her beloved mother, Mona Louisa Mooney, who preceded her in death.

Debbie was born in August 1954 to Mona Louise Petry (d.1996) and Harry Edward Owens (d.2021) and spent her childhood in Garden City Park, New York. The family attended Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in New Hyde Park, NY. It was there that she met and started “going steady” with Harold Hansen in 1968. Upon high school graduation she attended the State University of New York, Farmingdale where she received her Associates Degree in Applied Science. Debbie and Hal were married at Gloria Dei on June 29, 1974.

Debbie and Harold moved to Columbus, Ohio in 1977, where Debbie worked at Riverside Hospital in the physical therapy department and Hal eventually joined the Columbus Police Department. Their daughter Tamara was born in 1980, followed by their son Christopher in 1982. Debbie became active in mothers groups and "TWIG" (Together with Important Goals) a women’s volunteer organization supporting Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus.

In August 1985, the family relocated to Pickerington, Ohio. After much prayer, Debbie and Hal welcomed their rainbow baby, Dane, in August 1986. Debbie worked as an office manager and podiatric medical assistant for Ankle and Foot Associates, bringing care, joy, and compassion to every patient she served. But if you asked her, motherhood was her proudest work -- Debbie poured her whole heart into raising her three children. Most of her time was spent cooking, baking and reveling in their lives -- she always cheered louder than anyone in the room and kept a well-stocked cabinet of snacks. She managed the hospitality room of wrestling meets, attended every musical production and cheerleading competition and covered her eyes through dangerous dirt bike races. She led Girl Scout troops, hosted pool parties, and opened her home without hesitation. Debbie was, in every sense of the word, everyone’s mom.

In 2012, Debbie and Hal retired to Apollo Beach, FL to be closer to family and escape Ohio winters. Debbie thoroughly enjoyed their Diamond Plus cruise line status and embarked on over 60 cruises. Alongside Hal, she fulfilled her dream of seeing the world -- wandering the streets of Italy, standing beneath the lights of Paris, exploring the Netherlands and Prague, marveling at Norway’s beauty, and passing through the Panama Canal. In addition to travel, Debbie delighted in her grandchildren, maintained lifelong friendships, thrifted and hosted family at their home in Florida. She joined a local women’s group ‘Ah Ah Girls’ and enjoyed attending luncheons and playing Bunco.

Debbie lived with autoimmune diseases and osteoarthritis, enduring debilitating pain for much of her life -- yet she chose joy again and again. Her laughter was infectious, and her hands were always busy writing cards, creating art, bracelets, needlepoint, blankets, and thoughtful gifts.

She was a loving mother, a fun grandma and “memaw”, a devoted wife, a caring sister, and a passionate friend. Her abundant love shaped our lives, and her spirit will continue to guide us always. May her memory forever be a blessing.

A Memorial service celebrating Debbie's life will be held at 10am on March 21st at Calvary Lutheran Church in Ruskin, FL. Immediately following the Memorial, family is invited to her interment in the Columbarium at the Oasis at Calvary. The family has requested guests wear something purple or joyful in honor of Debbie.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to the Arthritis Foundation. https://www.arthritis.org/