Kristen Hansen

Kristen Dawn Hansen, 47, of West Hartford VT, formerly of Merrimack, NH passed away peacefully on the morning of June 21, at the Jack Byrnes Center for Palliative and Hospice Care in Lebanon, NH surrounded by her family after a courageous 7-year battle with cancer.

Kristen graduated from Merrimack High School class of ’96. While there she played varsity basketball and softball. She then attended UNH receiving her bachelor’s degree and Franklin Pierce receiving her master’s degree all in the field of education. After graduation she taught at several different school districts in the Hanover, NH area before landing in Thetford, VT where she taught until no longer possible.

Kristen spent her younger days living on Baboosic Lake in Merrimack. She loved swimming, water skiing, and kayaking. It was at Baboosic Lake that she met a friend of her brother Steve, named Chris Gower. They would remain together for the rest of her life. After college graduation together they moved to Vermont so Chris could pursue his love of skiing. Eventually they bought a house in West Hartford and in July of 2012 they became the proud parents of Lucy Abigail. Lucy blossomed into a beautiful, exceptional young lady just like her mother. Together Chris and Lucy were the best caregivers that Kristen could have asked for.

Kristen is survived by her parents, Bob and Donna Hansen; her brother, Steve all of Merrimack, NH; her fiancé, Chris Gower; and her daughter, Lucy Gower, both of West Hartford, VT. She also leaves behind two nieces, Tori Tacito and Savannah Hansen, that she loved very much. Geni and Bill McLaurin and their entire family were Kristens favorite party people. She also leaves behind her in-laws, Bill and Renie Gower, and her godparents, Steve and Diane Nyblom. Kristen also leaves behind many wonderful friends and relatives who will miss her wisdom, humor and guidance.

Because of their caring and compassion the family would like anybody wishing to make a memorial donation to the Jack Byrnes Center for Palliative and Hospice Care due to their dedicated care within their respected field. There will be a celebration of life in Merrimack, NH as well as West Hartford, VT in early September.

Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Boscawen. To view Kristen's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit https://csnh.com.