Hansine Pedersen Goran
08/23/1948 - 12/19/2024
August 23, 1948 - December 19, 2024
Hansine Pedersen Goran passed away peacefully at her home in Boulder, Colorado, on December 19, 2024, after a long illness. She was lovingly cared for by her husband, Mike, and the compassionate team at Trailwinds Hospice. Hansine's life was a testament to creativity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Born on August 23, 1948, in San Francisco, California, Hansine was the daughter of Ruth Haller Pedersen (née Isaacs), an influential artist in the Bay Area arts community, and Knud Aage Pedersen, a Danish immigrant and bosun on the San Francisco waterfront. Hansine spent her early years near Ocean Beach before the family relocated to Castro Valley, where her father created a Danish-inspired farm. Her childhood was filled with imaginative adventures, including hours spent in a treehouse built by her father and bike rides exploring the Bay Area.
Hansine's artistic talent and entrepreneurial spirit emerged early; at just 15, she started crafting bespoke sandals for local artists. She later attended UC Santa Cruz, where she deepened her studies in Jungian psychology and dreamwork. Her career spanned roles as a human resource director, career counselor, and entrepreneur. She founded "Options, You and Work," a transformative career counseling platform, and "Current Carpets," an innovative textile company recognized for its groundbreaking designs. Hansine's contributions extended to serving on the Textile Board of the DeYoung Museum.
Hansine married Mike Goran in 1981, describing their union as the most significant moment of her life. Together with their son Charles, whom Mike adopted, they built a close-knit family. Hansine cherished her role as a mother and grandmother to Spencer, Miles, and Mia.
In her final days, Hansine's indomitable spirit shone through as she prepared loved ones for her passing, offering personal goodbyes surrounded by family and friends.
Private services will be held at the Natural Funeral in Lafayette, Colorado. Hansine and Mike will be interred in the Meditation Chapel at the Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland, California, alongside her mother. Condolences may be shared via Legacy.com.
Hansine's legacy of compassion, creativity, and strength will continue to inspire all who knew her.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Dec. 19, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Hansine Goran

Sponsored by Chapel of the Chimes Oakland Funeral Home, Crematory and Columbarium.

12 Entries

Catherine Crawford

March 23, 2025

How does one put to words the love, and profound loss, of someone as precious as our beloved Hansine? I've pondered this for the past 3 months since her passing. Hansine was my dearest friend of 40 years. I often told her that I would not be who I became, without the gift of her friendship. Without fail, she made me feel seen, heard and loved. Her friendship fed the wellspring of my life.

We laughed, cried, celebrated each other's creativity, chatted about the mysteries of life and the beyond.
She was my biggest inspiration in life. It is truly impossible for me to convey her magnificence, but I'l l hint at it by celebrating what a spectacular legacy this legend created.

Always a curious student of life, she could plumb the depths of life's mysteries, be a jester, chef, master baker, entrepreneur, maverick designer and creator of beauty wherever and in all ways. She had a gift for seeing the essence in people and loving us, believing in us, and holding space through life's seasons.

Hansine introduced me to many authors and storytellers--one was Robert Johnson. She underlined this quote in one of his books: "Live in the service of something higher and more enduring, so that when the tragic transience of life at last breaks in upon you, you can feel that the thing for which you have lived does not die."

Oh friend, you did this most magnificently. For those of us lucky enough to have one of her carpets grace our homes, may we feel her loving legacy as our feet touch the wool and make contact with her lasting creativity. But most precious of all, the threads of her life, and how they wove with ours, lives on. Long live every memory of how she touched our life stories, held us, cheered us on, shared her deep wisdom and embraced us. I miss you every day Hansine, and I hear you still my friend. Always and forever, Catherine

Garrett Romain

January 15, 2025

I miss you my forever friend.

Kim

January 12, 2025

In memory of my cousin, Hansine.

I always knew I had a cousin in the USA, but it was not until the late 80s that I started writing with her. She was very interested in her Danish lineage, and since I have a website about the family, there became a lot of writing across the Atlantic.
As you can see from the other posts, she was very much treasured by the entire Danish family.
Charles visited us in 1987, but it was not until 2008 at my daughter's wedding that I finally met her and Mike. Both Hansine and Mike turned out to be the nicest people you can imagine.
Although we have known for some time that Hansine was ill, it was still with great sadness when we heard that Hansine had passed away.

Rest in peace, Hansine.

Connie Egelund Straarup

Planted Trees

Connie Egelund Straarup

January 10, 2025

In memory of Hansine

Hansine was not just a friend, she was like a second mother to me. She was there for me in ways that I will never be able to fully express. During some of the toughest times in my life, she was a pillar of strength and compassion. I will never forget how, when I was just 19 years old, she welcomed me with open arms in San Francisco. She took me under her wing, helped me settle into college, and even went out of her way to find a car for me. Her support and generosity meant the world to me.

Hansine had a heart of gold. She was selfless, always putting others before herself, and never asking for anything in return. She believed in the goodness of people and always sought the best for everyone around her. I remember how much she adored her Danish family and how deeply connected she was to them, often sharing stories and experiences with pride and love.

In many ways, Hansine was a true role model. Her sense of style and impeccable taste were matched by her determination and success in her business. She built her carpet company from the ground up and achieved great success. I had the privilege of receiving one of her beautiful carpets as a wedding gift, and I cherish it every single day. It´s not just a beautiful piece of art but a constant reminder of her love, her generosity, and the lasting impact she had on my life.

Hansine´s memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her. I will forever be grateful for everything she did for me and for the lessons she taught me-lessons of kindness, generosity, and the importance of family. Her spirit will always remain with me.

Terri Valdivia

December 30, 2024

There are so many memories from growing up near you...painting your room purple, days at the Bolinas beach, drinking bottles of Bireley´s orange soda on the farmhouse porch. You will be missed.
My daughter and I will plant trees on our homestead in your honor. We´ll hang a tire swing on one of them and think of times we swung under the big tree at the back of the farmhouse.

Don and Shirley Warden

December 27, 2024

Hansine was a wonderful neighbor and friend. She was caring thoughtful, and supportive. Hansine was a joyful person who celebrated life. Her friendship was a blessing and we treasure the memories.

Erik Straarup

December 22, 2024

My deepest condolences. Over the years, Hansine ( my cousin) and I have had many email funny pranks. one of her regulars was teasing me about not eating fish, and many other things. I found her to be a very carring and nice person whom I am happy to have known. The picure is how I remember her, when vi visitet her and Mike at Sea Ranch. She has left us far too early !! Rest in Peace Hansine...

Heidi Straarup

December 21, 2024

I am proud and grateful to call Hansine my auntie. From the other side of the world, she has played an important part in my life. Always ready to listen and share her wisdom. Always ready with a joke or a funny idea. She has always been present and I feel she still is. I will still spend a profound time with her once in a while. Thank you for everything, Hansine. We will take over from here.

Garrett

December 21, 2024

Hansine.
My heart is shattered as I write this, the loss of my friend. More than just a confidante, she was my friend for many years - the one who made endless adventures possible, and made oat meal with brown sugar so I could be her alarm clock.
Our friend ship is magical, and transcended typical friendship. She was my kindred spirit who understood me without words. As close friendships go, ours was rare - we could sit in comfortable silence or talk for hours. Whether me joining for impromptu coffee runs or being my steadfast companion during life's hardest moments, she showed up with unwavering support.
She was the best friend who helped me teach my kid about living and going to school in a big city Our bond went beyond typical relationships - she was my life line.
The void her passing leaves feels insurmountable. My companion in both mundane moments and major milestones is gone, and only echoes with memories of her infectious spirit remain.
Hansine wasn't just a friend - she was part of me. While the pain of losing her is raw, I'm grateful and joyful for the years of friendship we shared. Her impact on my life will continue by the fact that she introduced me to Mike.
(Reamer Man is Alive.)(Long Live the Kingfish.)
With a heavy heart,
Love you Hansine,
Garrett

Aase

December 20, 2024

My kondolenses.
Hansine was my husbands cousin - and I loved her very much.
I remember our visit at the Sea Ranch in 2004, her kindnes and great hospitality - and hers and Mikes visit i Denmark later. We hoped for an other visit, but illnes made that impossible.