Helen Hansen

Helen Elizabeth Hansen Died peacefully at home February 24, 2012, at the age of 96. Helen was born in San Francisco January 6, 1916, and raised by her adoptive parents Zena and Alexander Johanson in the Sunset district. She graduated from Poly High School in 1933 and then attended business school. She worked for various businesses in San Francisco as a secretary and administrative assistant. She was very proud of the fact that she walked with her boss and coworkers across the Golden Gate Bridge the day it opened. She met her handsome Norwegian-American husband, Herman Hansen, on a blind date and they were married two years later on November 8, 1940. After living in San Francisco, they moved to their home in San Carlos where she lived for 64 years. She worked for the San Carlos Unified School District for 20 years and after retiring she and Herman traveled the world. Helen was active in many organizations. She was a member of the Alcatraz Alumni Association due to her childhood summers spent on the island with her grandmother and grandfather, a guard at the military prison. She belonged to the Glass and Decorative Arts Club of Los Altos, the Federated Women's Club of San Carlos, the "Jolly Girls" of the San Mateo Elks Lodge, the Widows and Widowers of San Mateo County and she was a charter member of Sigrid Undset Lodge #32 Daughters of Norway. She is survived by her daughter Zena Corcoran, grandson Daniel Corcoran and three nephews Peter, Jay and Gerald Mackie and their families. Many thanks to her dedicated caregivers of the past 6 years, and to the hospice staff during her last month. Helen will be remembered as a happy, giving person who knew everyone in town, and was the life of the party - her stories are legendary. Memorial donations may be made to A Very Special Toy Box, 447 Oakwood Blvd, Redwood City, CA, 94061, or to the animal welfare organization of your choice. Friends are invited to Visit from 4:00 - 8:00 pm Friday, March 2, 2012. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, March 3, 2012 at Sneider Sullivan & O'Connell's, 977 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94402.