MARGARET ANDERSEN HANSON April 15, 1929 – July 13, 2026
Margaret Andersen Hanson, beloved wife, mother, (great) grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away July 13, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Born April 15, 1929, in Howard County, Iowa to Harry and Ethel Andersen, Margaret was the seventh of nine children. Raised on farms in Iowa and Minnesota, she developed the strong work ethic, resilience, and deep devotion to family that defined her remarkable life.
In 1947, Margaret ventured to California, where she built a career, embraced new experiences, and on Memorial Day of 1950 met the love of her life, Don “Corky” Hanson. They married March 17, 1951, and shared a remarkable marriage spanning 75 years. Together they raised three children—Diane, Steve, and Bob—first in California and later in Los Alamos, New Mexico. In Los Alamos they built a home filled with love, laughter, hospitality, and adventure.
Margaret was known as an accomplished seamstress, gardener, bookkeeper, cook, and traveler. She delighted in organizing family reunions, nurturing lasting friendships, growing beautiful flowers, and exploring the world alongside Don, visiting destinations across four continents.
To those who knew her, Margaret was the heart of her family. She showed her love in countless ways, from cooking big family meals, teaching new skills, to giving perfectly wrapped gifts. She believed family was life’s greatest blessing and devoted herself to caring for those she loved, including many extended family members. Her love, strength, and opinions shaped generations of her family. She will be remembered not only for her own life, but for the lives she enriched through her care, tenacity, and love. Her example continues influencing the lives of all who had the privilege to know her, leaving an enduring legacy.
Margaret is survived by her devoted husband, Don Hanson; her three children and their spouses: Diane (Mike) Lilley, Steve (Barb) Hanson, and Bob (Terri) Hanson; her three grandchildren and their spouses: Christel Hanson, Scott (Fawn) Hanson, and Stephanie (Pat) Yeamans; and her four great-grandchildren: Steven, Noah, Wesley, and Korben. She also leaves behind step-grandchildren Kyle and Laura, six step great-grandchildren, and one step great-great-grandchild, along with many extended family members and dear friends who will cherish her memory.
In keeping with Margaret’s wishes, no services will be held. The family would like to thank the staff from Presbyterian Hospice and Home Instead for their support and care for Margaret.
