Lenora Kay Hanson

1945 - 2026

Anacortes, WA - Lenora Kay Hanson (née Lyon), 80, passed away on January 28, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born on July 1, 1945, in Libby, Montana, to Joseph K. Lyon and Jennie M. Bowen, and moved to Washington as a child.

Lenora was a determined woman who built a meaningful life through hard work. In 1983, as a single mother, she earned her Registered Nursing (RN) degree from Everett Community College. She spent much of her career in the Oncology department at Skagit Valley Regional Hospital. Her experience as a nurse gave her a unique perspective when she later faced her own health challenges, and she was well-regarded for the practical, steady care she provided her patients.

Her life was centered in Skagit County. After living in Blanchard with her first husband, Jerry Tinker, and later in Everett with Frank Wycoff, she returned to Anacortes in 1988. She purchased a fixer-upper on Dewey Beach and, with the help of her son and daughter, remodeled it into her dream home. It was there that she met and married Vincent "Vince" Hanson, with whom she shared many years as a member of the Swinomish Yacht Club.

Lenora was happiest when her house was full. She was known for her annual 4th of July parties, where she hosted over 100 family members, neighbors, and friends. She was a gifted cook and an avid gardener who took great pride in her home and the community she helped build on Dewey Beach.

For the last 14 years, Lenora shared her life with her partner, Bill Moore. Bill cared for her throughout a difficult battle with pancreatic cancer. After her initial treatment, Lenora remained cancer-free for eight years, a time she used to the fullest before the illness returned.

She is survived by her partner, Bill Moore; her son, Jeff Tinker (Aimee); her grandchildren, Sarah Ovard (McMartin), Evan McMartin, Benjamin Tinker, and Jonathan Tinker; and her great-grandchildren, Nora and Simon Ovard. She is also survived by her brothers, John, Loren, and Rich Lyon and her sister Linda Lyon. Lenora was preceded in death by her daughter, Jennifer Adams; her sisters, Beth Nelson and Jody Gamble; and her brother, Joe Lyon.

She will be remembered for her kindness, her quiet strength, and her dedication to those she loved. A celebration of her life will be held at Evans Funeral Chapel 1105 32nd St, Anacortes, WA on Saturday, Feb 21st at 11:00am.

To share memories of Lenora, please visit www.evanschapel.com/obituary-lenora-hanson