Jean Hansen was born on August 26, 1923, in Melfort, SK. She was the eldest daughter of Garnet and Florence (nee Smith) Parcher. At a young age she moved to Yorkton with her parents. Here she completed her education at Simpson School and the YCI. After graduating from high school she moved to Fort William, ON, where she trained as a nurse at McKellar General Hospital. Upon graduating in June, 1944, she returned to Yorkton and began working as a Registered Nurse in the Yorkton Hospital. On November 11, 1947 she married the love of her life, Henry Hansen of Theodore. They farmed together until his untimely passing in March of 1972. She continued farming with her son Brian and eventually moved to her own home in the town of Theodore in 1979. After some time Jean began working as an assessor co-ordinator for the Yellowhead Emerald Home Care District. In 1997, Jean moved into Southview Manor in Theodore. Here she spent many years enjoying the company of numerous people, many of whom became her very good friends. In March of 2013 failing health forced her to move to the Gladstone Seniors Residence in Yorkton. In March of 2015 she began a courageous battle with cancer and on June 23 she passed away with her family at her side. As an active member and supporter of her community Jean was involved with the Theodore Homemakers, the UCW, the United Church Board and choir, the Theodore Housing Authority and the Theodore Seniors Club. She held numerous executive positions with these organizations and also volunteered with the Boy Scouts/Girl Guides movement in Theodore, meals on wheels, the local catering club and the Theodore Free Press. She had the best interests of the community at heart and worked hard to keep the community of Theodore thriving. When she had "spare" time, she enjoyed baking, knitting, crocheting, quilting, curling, painting, ceramics, gardening and puzzling. Family meant the world to Jean and she took great pride in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. She was affectionately referred to as "Grandma Great" by her great-grandchildren. Family gatherings were important to her and her home was always open to family and friends. The trials and challenges she faced in her life made her a stronger and more determined person. These experiences allowed her to pass on so many of life's lessons to her family. Jean was predeceased by her husband, Henry and her son, Brian; her parents, Garnet and Florence and her step-father, Jack Arnett; in-laws, Ben and Mary Hansen; sisters, Betty Nicoll, Velma Printz and Garlene Lang and a brother, Howard in infancy; brothers-in law, Gordon Printz, Austin Nicoll, Albert Merkley and Terry Paley; her sister-in law, Gaylene (nee Bridges) Hansen and her nephew, Bobby Lang. She leaves to cherish her memory, her son, Bruce and his wife, Pat (Koroll) of Yorkton and their children, Jeff and Jodi (Kriger) of Springside and Tim and Andrea (Green) of Saskatoon; her daughter, Norma Haacke and Brian of Grande Prairie, AB and her children, Mark (Anita), Erin (Mike) and Chris (Erika), all of Grande Prairie; her daughter-in law, Jean Sander (Havorka) of Springside and her children, Michael of Saskatoon, Katherine (Ryan) Lesyshen of Sooke, BC and Tracy (Sheldon) Fichtner of Good Spirit Lake; her daughter, Linda Senyk and Roger of Theodore and her children, Jamie (Sierra) of Melville and Jenna of Lac St Anne, AB; her sisters-in-law, Clara Merkley of Springside and Betty Paley of Roblin, MB; her brothers-in-law, Lorne (Dorraine) Hansen of Saskatoon and Lawrence Lang of Yorkton; her step-sister, Jean (Bill) Freeman of Regina and step-brother, Jim (Sheila) Arnett of Cochrane AB; as well as ten great-grand children, numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and good friends. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, June 27, 2015 from St. Paul United Church in Theodore, SK with Reverend Brad Wudrich officiating. The organist, Carla Madsen and members of the Theodore and Westview United Church Choirs led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Come In, Come In and Sit Down (Part of the Family)", "Come and Find the Quiet Centre", "In The Garden" and "Go Now in Peace". The Choir also shared a special anthem in Jean's memory. Words of tribute and eulogy were shared by Jean's grandchildren. Special taped music selections included, "When I Get to Where I'm Going" by Brad Paisley and "Holes in the Floor of Heaven" by Steve Wariner. Following a reception in the Theodore Rec Centre, the cremation committal took place in the Theodore Village Cemetery with Jeff Hansen and Jace Hansen serving as the urn bearers. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, SK.
