Patricia Dian Hansen

Patricia Dian Hansen
The family of Patricia "Patty" Dian Hansen is deeply saddened to announce her passing on November 4, 2024, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Patricia was the cherished wife of 65 years to Ronald Hansen Sr. Patty and Ron's story began in West Haven, Connecticut, where they grew up before raising their family in Wallingford and Cheshire. In retirement, they embraced life in Myrtle Beach.
Patty was born on January 9, 1938, to Bridget Blair French and Nelson French. She met the love of her life, Ron, while attending school in West Haven, and they married on June 6, 1959. Patty worked at the phone company before leaving to dedicate herself to raising her family. Later, she joined the manufacturing industry and, alongside Ron, co-founded Component Engineers, Inc. in 1981, a company that remains a legacy today under the leadership of their son, Ronald Hansen Jr.
Patty was a dedicated and active member of her community. She joined the Mystic Chapter #20 of the Order of the Eastern Star on January 24, 1978, and proudly celebrated 46 years of membership. She was also a member of the Hamden Elks Club and a parishioner of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Wallingford.
A devoted mother, Patty supported her children through PTA events and more. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, where she created her famous tea rings and homemade applesauce for her grandchildren. She had a remarkable ability to prepare a welcoming meal at a moment's notice, from roast dinners to a plate of spaghetti or chicken. Sundays were special, with roasts that filled the house with love and the aroma of her cooking, while the kids eagerly nibbled warm rye bread from the bakery on the drive home from church.
Patty loved to entertain, filling her home with laughter, friends, and a late-night card game or two-always accompanied by her signature "pussycat" cocktails. She had a zest for life and embraced travel with Ron, exploring unforgettable destinations such as Scotland, New Zealand, Hawaii, Las Vegas, and European river cruises, with Germany holding a special place in their hearts. Wherever they went, Patty's warmth and kindness made lasting connections, and she delighted in experiencing local cultures and cuisines.
In her later years, Patty discovered a passion for mahjong and played weekly in Myrtle Beach. She also embraced her creative side, becoming an avid painter who produced beautiful works on porcelain and canvas. Many of her pieces remain treasured gifts to her family and friends. Patty and Ron shared a love for the arts, wine, food and frequently visited Brookgreen Gardens SC, where they found peace, inspiration, and joy.
Above all, family was everything to Patty. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Nelson French, and is survived by her devoted husband, Ronald Hansen Sr., and their loving children: Marcia Hansen, Kristine Hall (August Garbatini), and Ronald Hansen Jr. (Courtney). Her memory will live on in her adored grandchildren: Amanda Esparo (Vito), Erica Purdy (Jeffrey), Alicia Purdy (Kevin), Nicholas Hall (Michelle), Serena Hansen, and Daen Hansen; as well as her six great-grandchildren: Theodore and Henry Purdy, Vito and Valentino Esparo, and Millie and Wyatt Purdy. Patty also leaves behind her brother, Bernard Wirkus (Donna); a son-in-law, Paul Janicki, who will miss their shared birthday; many nieces and nephews; and her dearest lifelong friend, Arden Mahon, whose love and friendship was her source of great laughs and joy.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Patty's loving and generous memory to: Compass Lodge #9, Almoner's Fund, 50 North Main Street, Wallingford, CT 06492, or Reflections Assisted Living, 219 Middleburg Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
Patty's legacy of love, warmth, and kindness will forever be cherished by all who knew and loved her.