Barbara M. "Simone" Hanson

Barbara was born to Eva Hilgendorff in Berlin, Germany, one month before the start of World War 2. Soon afterward, Eva and Barbara (her father was conscripted into the army) began looking for shelter in the German countryside away from the risks associated with the aerial bombing of Berlin. She told many happy stories of living on farms, drinking fresh milk, eating warm bread right out of the bakers oven and foraging for wild mushrooms with her mother.

After the war, Barbara and Eva actively sought to emigrate to the Americas, and in 1951 were

accepted into Canada. They later emigrated to the US, settling in Chicago, IL and becoming a naturalized citizen on September 7, 1965.

Barbara put herself through design school in Chicago and began a career in interior design. She began at Chicago's Merchandise Mart as a display designer for Simmons bedding company. She later joined Carson's Department Store and worked in window design and merchandise display for housewares and bedding. She rose up to "buyer" in housewares and travelled all over Europe looking for products to stock their stores in the Midwest.

After a long career working for Carsons, she moved to Hastings-on-Hudson, NY and went to work for GEAR Design and later Spartan Mills.

Always with an eye for color and design, Barbara was quick to notice beauty in art and architecture. She enjoyed reading, music and fine art, spending much time at the Chicago Art Institute and the many NYC museums and galleries.

Barbara eventually settled in Beacon, NY where she is survived by her daughter Brenda.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, January 31 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, 2 Beekman Street, Beacon.

To send a personal condolence please visit www.riverviewbyhalvey.com.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, LLC.