Barbara J. Hansen

1925 - 2018

Barbara J. Hansen, loving and much loved daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, mother-in-law, and friend, died earlier in January, surrounded by family. Barbara was born in Oklahoma, in 1925. Her family was very poor, but Barbara was smart, and graduated early from high school. She was one of only 37 women enrolled with a full scholarship in the United States Cadet Nursing Program at Wesley Hospital in Kansas. After graduation Barbara fulfilled her public service obligation by working as a public health nurse in Topeka, Kansas. While there she met the love of her life, Jerry Hansen, who was stationed at a nearby Air Force Base. They married in California at Travis Air Force Base in 1951, and had two daughters while stationed there. After Jerry received his Master's Degree in Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley in 1961, they moved to Sacramento. Barbara stopped her paid nursing work, but continued to do volunteer nursing and to serve as the neighborhood children's first aid nurse. The family joined Bethany Presbyterian Church, and Barbara soon also joined the League of Women Voters. She actively participated in both, until Alzheimer's dementia made that impossible. A memorial celebration will be held at Bethany Presbyterian Church on Sat. Feb. 3 at 2pm. The family encourages those who attend to wear purple, Barbara's favorite color.