Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Marie Anne Hansen

About

Michigan State University University of Nebraska

Marie Hansen Obituary

Marie Anne Hansen

Lansing - Marie Anne Hansen, born January 23, 1947, left this world to fly free from the tethers of her recent and staggering illnesses. Marie made the world and each of us so much better by being our friend, wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, colleague, and mentor. For those who knew her and loved her, the light has dimmed. Marie was truly and clearly GOOD. She was kind, generous, principled, loving, devoted, and wise. In this world today, the loss of her spirit and clarity is crushing.

Marie was born in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan to Alger and Edith Hansen. She leaves behind her wife, Priscilla Feigenbaum, her children with Nancy Lange and Robert Lange, Sarah (Paul) Lanzetta, and Jesse (Ashley Berg) Lange, her grandchildren Ava Lanzetta, Weston Lanzetta, Titan Lange and Ember J Lange, her brother Jerry (Shirley) Hansen, nephew, Brett (Alanna) Hansen, great niece Annelise Hansen, along with Priscilla's loving extended family and so many friends. Her family was large, diverse and non-traditional. It was shaped from love, rather than legal definitions.

She received her bachelor's degree in human ecology from Michigan State University in 1969 and her masters in College Student Personnel in 1972 from Colorado State University. Her career in student affairs began as a Resident Assistant at Michigan State, and continued with positions as Residence Hall Director at Colorado State, the University of Nebraska, and Michigan State University. Her final position at Michigan State was as Director of Judicial Affairs (1980 to 2000). After retiring from MSU she took a position at Prevention Network, advocating primarily for alcohol abuse prevention. She lectured and trained advocates state-wide and later developed another advocacy program for alcohol regulation reformation called MAP (Michigan Alcohol Policy Promoting Health and Safety) with her "partner in crime" Mike Tobias . She was a national leader in the field.

Marie was also noted for her advocacy work in students' rights and responsibilities, and gender, LBGTQ, and racial equity. She served on the board of the Lesbian Alliance and gave her heart and soul to the lesbian community. She coordinated the annual Women and the Arts Festival in East Lansing for over twenty years, coordinated the Breast Cancer Support Group at MSU, and gave generously and tirelessly to make the world a better place. She gave her time, her energy, her resources, her expertise and her heart to these causes.

She loved hot dogs and diet coke, car rides with her honey, watching her grandchildren grow, traveling, playing bridge, going to coffee with her friends, reading, and her monthly card games. She especially loved her cats Toonces and Catty, sharing her life with Priscilla, and sparking joy in others. She will be so greatly missed.

Because Marie's passions were social justice, women's issues, and reading, donations may be made in her name online or by mail to:

The Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104 or

Reading is Fundamental (RIF), 750 First St. NE, Ste. 920. Washington, DC 20002 Attn: Development Department

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

Published by Lansing State Journal from Jul. 25 to Jul. 26, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Marie Hansen

21 Entries

Billie T Piazza

July 19, 2025

Marie came to my mind yesterday as I drove through campus which was very quiet since classes have not yet started up again. It made me think that I want to do better this year at keeping up with MSU Womens' Basketball. And that brought to mind how lucky I was to be one of the folks that Marie picked up and drove to Breslin to see the games. She made going to the game a family experience, a fun time, and I remember well those years of Marie picking me up. She was so thoughtful and made those evenings fun and special all the time. It was a privilege to know you, Marie. I know that I, and many other people, consider our memory of you to truly be a blessing.

Jeanette Campbell

July 19, 2025

I knew Marie at the University of Nebraska. She was a kind Resident Hall Director and a friend. She was a gentle soul... may she rest in peace.

Billie T Piazza

March 25, 2025

I'll always remember those rides to see the MSU Women's Basketball games at the Bres'. I know I speak for the other women you drove too when I say we will never meet anyone again as generous, thoughtful, and fun as you were. Thank you.

Melissa Wintrow

July 19, 2024

It's important to continue to remember the people that we have lost in our lives and honor the lessons we have learned from them. Marie was a special mentor to me when I worked at Michigan State. She was so wise and so truthful. I have such special memories of her. Beyond work, she was always there for me. When I rode my bicycle across the United State with 2 male travel partners and things went a little sideways, she was there when I called and came to visit me in Traverse city as we passed through. She was such a steadfast supporter and friend. I still miss you, Marie. Priscilla, you continue to be in my thoughts as well as I know you must truly miss her.

Wendy L Sellers

February 7, 2023

Oh, my... I have just learned of Marie's passing. Marie made the world a better place, and without her, we have lost someone we could emulate. Marie was always kind and thoughtful. I admired the way she would carefully consider her words before saying them... a characteristic to practice. Her caring emanated from her in her gentle manner. May her memory be a blessing...

Melissa Wintrow

July 19, 2021

I can't believe it's been a year since we lost our friend from this earth. Marie made an impact on my life that is still evident today. She was one of my mentors and offered so much guidance and support. As I pause to remember her and all that she brought to this life, I will reflect on how important it is to find peace and joy and challenge in each day and not worry as much about the future. I continue to hold Priscilla in my thoughts as she lost such a special life partner.

Tim Pierson

July 30, 2020

All of us who worked in RHPO enjoyed and respected Marie. She understood students, kept things in perspective, always seems to enjoy being able to help others (especially hall directors). Nothing but fond memories of Marie, Sad to hear of her passing,

Skeet Allison

July 29, 2020

I had the privilege of meeting Marie when I was at MSU She made a difference wherever she was or whatever she was involved in. Free of pain and struggles leaving many with cherished memories

Jean Golden

July 28, 2020

Marie was a role model and mentor to so many in our community. Students. Coworkers. Faculty. And most especially, young lesbians. We grew into our respective careers together in East Lansing, and I had great admiration for her work across these many years. She has left her mark, as a friend, a citizen of her community, a contributor to the wellbeing and growth of young people. Her integrity, her kindness, her love and compassion, will be much missed. May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing.

Liz Agius

July 28, 2020

So sad to hear about Marie's passing. I met her while working on prevention for the state. In a short time, she taught me so much. Her passion was matched by her integrity - a combination sorely needed in our world. She will be missed so much.

Edward Dadez

July 27, 2020

I was a Resident Student Life Director from 1984 to 1988 in Snyder-Phillips Hall. I learned the art of educational discipline from Marie. I had assumed in her position, she would be very black and white. She was not. She thought in gray terms. Marie assisted me in learning there are many ways to assist a student to return to the right path. This lesson has helped me immensely in my student affairs career. I will always have the memory to cherish.

Ellie Kennedy

July 27, 2020

Kindness is the one word that comes to mind when I think of Marie. Her heart was so full of kindness and empathy for others that it so sad for this world to lose such an amazing human being, especially in a time of such division and cruelty. Although I moved away and had not seen Marie for many years, I wish I had the opportunity to tell her in person how amazing she was and that she made a big difference in my life during a challenging time. That was Marie. She was always giving and always smiling. Her large and wonderful family will miss her and I send my sincere condolences to her family and friends.

Deanna Hurlbert

July 27, 2020

Marie was my greatest champion and mentor. I was a sophomore at MSU in 1991 when I found myself under her wing. She saw something in me that I did not see in myself. She created opportunities for me and introduced me to people and ideas and the Legends of the Lesbian community in Lansing:) I loved Marie. I needed a 'mothery/mentory' figure is my life and she knew it. I am grieving and grateful. Marie gave so much of her time and spirit to me. Over the 20 odd years I have known her, she was always at the ready to counsel, support, and challenge me. Thank You.

Did you know...I Iived in the same room of Williams Hall that Marie and many other l
Lesbians leaders of Lansing lived in? I sometimes wonder if that room, with the deep bay window over the fountain, was a portal! Thank you Priscilla and Nancy for also being loving and supportive mentors and friends!

Frederick Headen

July 27, 2020

I had the honor of working for Marie as one of her graduate advisors when she was Head Advisor of Holden Hall during the 1979-80 academic year. I had met her the year before when she worked in Williams Hall and I worked in Yakeley-Gilchrist Halls. She was a fine person from whom I learned a great deal, but I most remember her abiding kindness.

Jayne Schuiteman

July 26, 2020

Marie was a genuinely good person and that is a quality not seen in just anyone. It was a pleasure being her colleague at MSU and the world has lost a gentle and loving soul.

Kate Murphy

July 26, 2020

44 years of love, friendship and admiration. The world is different without her; there is a hole in my heart.

Kate Murphy

July 26, 2020

Her absence has left a hole in my heart.

Alicia

July 25, 2020

30 years and more of mutual friendship and community organization. A loss that can not be quantified

Melissa Wintrow

July 25, 2020

I feel so saddened learning this news; my heart is heavy because the physical world has lost a big and bold spirit who was a strong advocate for justice and equity. I worked as a Complex Director at Michigan State from 1993-1998. She was a strong mentor to me and provided steadfast support and guidance. She taught me so much. We stayed in touch and for years would call each other on Jan. 23 because we share a birthday on that day. She is such a special part of my young professional life and her teachings resonate and stay with me. She was one of the first people I called when I decided to run for the Idaho Legislature, and she provided wisdom and support as I progressed. She was such a strong leader. We are all better for knowing her and being loved by her. My sincere condolences to her wife, family and friends. Peace be with you.

Mark Bitman

July 25, 2020

What a most beautiful and caring person she was. I am sorry to have not been there during her illnesses, but I know she was well taken care of. The loss is felt community wide and across many borders. This loss is monumental to all of the communities she was involved in and Marie has touched so many lives it's just unfathomable to have a world exist without her in it.

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results