Florence Conforti Hanson

On Tuesday, May 4th, Florence Conforti Hanson passed away surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 97 – just two weeks shy of her 98th birthday. Florence was born of Italian parents, Louis Conforti and Ida Capalbo Conforti, and raised in Cicero. Her beloved father's early death, due in part to injuries suffered in WW1, left her mother to raise three daughters on her own becoming a seamstress for Hart, Shaffner and Marx. As the eldest Florence and her sisters, Emily, and Elda helped their mom sew buttonholes in the evening to make ends meet.

Florence attended Roosevelt Grammar School, Morton High School where she was active in saddle club and had a gaggle of friends that stuck together throughout their entire lives, calling themselves the "La Modes" and De Paul University earning her associate degree while working full time. She was a natural at business and was a wiz at shorthand which got her a job in the loop while still in high school. Florence married Al Fischer in 1942 and had three children, Linda, James and Louis. By this time, she was a valued executive secretary at Hotpoint. When she herself became a single mother and working full time and attending night school, she was still able to load the kids in the 1950 Ford and have adventures in the Dells and the North Avenue beach. Living in a classic bungalow close to her sisters and mother two flat, both built by her dad, … there was fun to be had and cousins galore. When she married Herbert Hanson, a father of four – Lance, Patrice, Linda Ann and Craig, in 1962 the family went from 3 to 7 and then with the arrival of David … 8 children.

Real Estate was her next venture along with her husband, Herb. She was a natural with her warm ways and her winning smile, and a highly personal style with her clients. "The real estate business is hard work; long hours and you must enjoy working with people … it is extremely gratifying!" said Mrs. Hanson. "Those who know me, and my clients soon realize my work is an extension of my family. Tradition has proven that real estate is a highly personalized business that operates most successfully on a one-to one basis." Florence said her feeling for real estate dated back to her childhood days, when her father would explain blueprints to her and take her to construction sites where she became fascinated with the building industry. "It is most gratifying to serve people in one of the largest investments of their lives … the American dream of owning a home!"

Florence was a member of the Illinois Association of Million Dollar Sales, Women in Real Estate Illinois Representative, President of the Women's Council of Realtors, President of the Women in Real Estate, Past President of West Towns Real Estate Board, a volunteer at MacNeil Hospital for 30+ years, owner of Hanson Realty, chair of the American Cancer Society in Berwyn, Director Seguin, PTA District Board, and she did all of this with great style, always pulled together and usually with a cute hat to boot!

It sometimes seemed Florence knew everyone in the world! It was unusual to go somewhere and NOT have someone, be it a client, a school chum, a cousin or a neighbor say hi. Two separate times in Rome she was recognized. Her 'can do' spirit is an inspiration to all, especially her grandchildren to whom she was 'Nonnie'. She acted as their own personal motivational speaker …" Make yourself happy – nobody's going to do that for you!" "Save some for tomorrow" "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!" No matter how she was feeling when you asked her, she was she boomed "GREAT!" Florence was happiest when surrounded by her family – she doted on her grandchildren and great grandchildren and they adored her right back. They will have cherished memories that will never fade. Florence's spirit burned brightly, and we thank her for everything she has given us during her precious time on earth. Florence joins her father, Louis Conforti, her mother, Ida and sisters Elda Mulligan and Emily Keene, husbands Al Fischer and Herbert E. Hanson, her stepson Lance Hanson (Soni), and most of her contemporaries. Florence will be dearly missed by her children, Linda Layland (Kit), Jimmy Fischer (Barb), Louie Fischer (Kathleen), David Hanson, Patrice Hanson, Craig Hanson (Rene) and Linda Ann Comstock, her 17 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and family friends. To sign the family guestbook, please visit www.salernofuneralhomes.com.

In Lieu of flowers please send donations to Alvernia Manor – a special thanks to Sister Cindy and the crew there.

13950 Main Street

Lemont, Illinois 60439