Irma (Hanneman) Pearson

Irma was born in Worland, Wyoming on July 28, 1937 to Alice (Lass) and Conrad Hanneman. She grew up on a farm in Worland, where she developed a lifelong love for all animals; especially her beloved horses and dogs, Nikki, Bliss, & Missy. Farm life taught Irma the value of hard work. She was a natural leader and if something needed to be done, Irma would take care of it. If someone needed help, she was there to help. She was also very organized and detail-oriented. These traits served her well and led her to be very respected and loved, both personally and professionally.

Irma graduated from Worland High School and then University of Wyoming in 1956. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business in just three years. Following college, she taught shorthand, typing, accounting, and business at Shoshone and Casper, Wyoming High schools, where she was also the cheerleading sponsor. During the summer of her last year of teaching in 1962, Irma was asked by a former college professor, Senator Gale McGee, to go to Washington DC to help him out for the summer. Irma never left DC.

Irma was a career woman who was strong, confident, and passionate about her work. She was well known and respected in DC for her work ethic and for the wonderful person she was. In a letter to President Reagan, Senator Thad Cochran praised Irma's dedicated service and described her as having the highest standard of professionalism. In the same letter, Senator Mark Hatfield echoed that praise and went on to say that, "Quite honestly, one would be hard pressed to find a staff person who brings more impressive personal and professional attributes to the Senate than Irma Hanneman". Irma served the United States Senate with distinction for 30 years. She was minority clerk and principal advisor to members of the Agriculture Subcommittee, and was the first female clerk to work on a bill. Irma retired in 1992.

On August 12, 1990, Irma married Maurice "Mo" Pearson. They first moved to Fort Collins, Colorado after Irma's retirement in 1992 and then to St. George, Utah for a time. In 2021, Irma and Mo moved back to Northern Colorado to be closer to family. Irma loved being with her family. She was attentive, helpful, loveable, fun, and was up for any adventure. She always found ways to make others happy. This was especially true for her nieces and nephews. She would call every week to check on them, and was known for the presents she picked out for them. All of them appreciated how much thought she put into what she gave because they were always special and personalized.

Irma was a high-class lady. She was always dressed to the nines, looking sharp and beautiful. Irma was a warm, gracious, kind, friendly, and caring person. She never met a stranger and would welcome anyone in for a visit or meal. Irma was known for her great laugh, sincerity, and authenticity. She was approachable, welcoming and easy to talk to. Because of these traits, and her flexibility, she could work with and talk to anyone. No person ever spoke a negative word about Irma and neither did she ever speak a negative word about anyone else.

Remaining active, physically and mentally, was important to Irma. She enjoyed card games such as Bridge, Pinochle, Gin Rummy, & Kings in the Corner, and playing Dominoes. She took up golf during retirement, became a great golfer, and was President of the Sun River Women’s Golf Association in St. George. Irma loved to dance. She and Mo would go dancing every week at the Sun River Community Center. Irma and Mo loved to travel together. They owned a motorhome that they took around the country, spent time on cruises, and flew all over the world. Irma even went to Egypt and met with the President while on a business trip.

Leisure time was also of the utmost importance to Irma. Every day at 3pm sharp was Toddy Time! She enjoyed having a late afternoon drink with family and friends. Irma was a member of the Red Hat Society, a worldwide membership society that encourages women in their quest to get the most out of life and which supports women in the pursuit of Fun, Friendship, Freedom, Fitness and the Fulfillment of lifelong dreams. She loved attending get-togethers and spending time with her friends.

Irma was, in a word, exceptional. She was loved very much.

Irma is survived by her husband, Maurice; stepchildren, David Pearson (Kim), Mike Pearson (Angel), and Sharon Roberts (Jim); her sister, Carol James (Norm); and sister-in-law, Joan Hanneman; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends who love her dearly and will miss her greatly. She is preceded in death by her mother, Alice and father, Conrad; and by her brother, Alvin Hanneman, who passed away in 2020.

Services will be held privately. Treasured memories of Irma and words of condolence for her family are welcome at resthavencolorado.com.