Joan Connie Hanson Perritt

Joan "Connie" Hanson Perritt was born on November 23, 1929, in Cleveland, Ohio, to George and Adelaide Conrad. She grew up alongside her older brother, George Jr., who was ten years her senior. The family later moved to Minneapolis, where Connie spent most of her childhood.
Opportunities for women were limited in her era, and she chose the path of teaching — a calling that suited her generous spirit. She taught Kindergarten in Chaska, Minnesota, where she met Andrew Hanson. They married in 1951 and raised three children: Bill, Vicki, and John.

Connie devoted much of her life to service. She taught in a Head Start program in Minneapolis and was deeply involved in church life, serving as a Deacon, Elder, and Sunday School teacher. Her faith carried her across the world on mission trips with Peace Presbyterian Church to Kenya, Hawaii, and Bimini. She also volunteered at Hennepin County General Hospital and later at a day care facility in Orlando.

After Andrew's passing in 1984, Connie continued her ministry through Bible Study Fellowship and Cursillo for many years. In time, she met Dan Perritt, and they married on April 15, 1989. Together they moved from Minneapolis to Tucson, Arizona, where they enjoyed golf, the mountains, the warm desert climate, and a wide circle of friends. Connie continued her volunteer work at the Ronald McDonald House and through various projects with the Oro Valley Country Club.

Following Dan's passing in 2016, Connie moved to Florida to live with her daughter Vicki. She remained in Orlando with Vicki and her family until her peaceful passing in April 2026.

Connie often said she had lived a "wonderful, blessed life." She was never alone. She stayed active well into her 90s — traveling the world, golfing, swimming, and surrounding herself with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Love and laughter were constants in her life. She proudly said she lived an abundant life, and she cherished her roles as wife and mother above all else.

An avid reader and devoted journaler, Connie left behind treasured reflections of both milestone moments and the beauty of everyday life. She will be remembered for her bright smile, infectious laugh, love of life, and her remarkable determination to defy aging — so much so that no one, not even her doctors, believed her true age.

Connie is survived by her three children: Bill Hanson Vicki Brown, and John Hanson. Daughters in law: Renee, and Annette, Son in law, Cal (Ossie- deceased) Her grandchildren: Tamara (Jason) Tara (James), Ossie Brown Jr." OJ", Nicholas, Raquel, Jacob, and Nikkito (Jasmine); and her wonderful great-grandchildren: Mya, Anna, Andrew, Oswald III, Aria, River, Delilah, and NaLana. She is also survived by her niece Susie and nephew Robert, along with a host of friends and extended family from Minneapolis, Arizona, Bimini, and beyond. Many beloved family members and friends preceded her in death.
Connie lived just shy of a century. Born during the Great Depression, she witnessed a vast sweep of history — including World War II and sixteen presidents. She lived fully, faithfully, and gratefully, and she was ready to meet her Lord. As her body weakened in recent months, she prepared for her journey home. She passed into the eternal kingdom on April 15, in the quiet hours of the morning — on the anniversary of her wedding to Dan, who surely welcomed her with open arms.

Homegoing Service will be held on Sunday April 26, 2026 at 1pm at St Mathews Episcopal Church 5873 N Dean Road
Orlando FL 32817
Repass immediately following the Service

We celebrate the extraordinary life of Joan "Connie" Hanson Perritt — a woman who lived fully, loved deeply, and laughed often. Her legacy is woven into every life she touched, every act of kindness she offered, and every moment of joy she created. Though we will miss her presence, we carry her spirit forward with gratitude. May we honor her by living with the same generosity, courage, and delight she brought into the world.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at Certus Memory Care and Cornerstone Hospice, whose gentle care and unwavering compassion carried Joan through her final months. They were truly angels to her and to our family.

Old Indian saying:
"Some people think of death like a hungry wolf and are afraid of it. I think death is like walking through a door and we go on living on the other side. Living better, living in the true way, just waiting for those we love to join us there."

"The net worth of our lives is not determined by how much we possess, but by how much we have loved."