Sr. Anitra Hansen, SSJD

HANSEN, Sister Anitra, Sisterhood of St John the Divine. Died peacefully at the convent in North York at age 89 and in her 42nd year of Life Profession. She was born on October 25, 1936, in Grey Nuns Hospital, Regina. Pre-deceased by parents Donna and Thor Hansen, and brother Conrad. The family moved to Toronto in 1938 when her father became staff artist for BA Oil. As her parents were Danish, Anitra originally was Lutheran. After a while they attended the United Church. Anitra was introduced to the Anglican Church through a friend; she became fascinated by Anglican liturgy and then became an Anglican.

Influenced by her father she attended Central Tech Commercial Art Course where she learned a variety of arts – pottery, sculpture, weaving, metalwork. She attended U of T for two years then switched to Teachers’ College. She entered the convent on her birthday October 25, 1977 after several years of teaching. Sr. Anitra spent many years in our Branch Houses – St. John’s Priory/House in Edmonton, Cana Place in Toronto, St. John’s Rehab in Toronto, St. John’s House in Montreal and St. John’s House in Victoria, BC. Over the years she worked in most of the areas or departments of the convent. She was spiritual director to many people, led retreats and quiet days, and was Guest Sister for a while. An artist at heart, Sr. Anitra has several examples or her artwork around the convent. She spent her last days in our Infirmary. She will be remembered by friends, Associates, and guests who benefitted from her pastoral skills. A Requiem Eucharist will be held on July 4th, 2026 at 12 noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisterhood of St John the Divine, 233 Cummer Ave, Toronto, M2M 2E8.