Norma Hale Hansen

On Saturday, December 9, 2023, Norma Hale Hansen passed away peacefully at home surrounded by members of her beloved family. Norma was born on March 27, 1928, in Pocatello, Idaho to Douglas “Ross” and Ada “Helen” Smith Hale. At the age of 95, Norma has now joined her dear husband, William “Arthur” Hansen from the Alamosa, Colorado area, who preceded her in death in 2005.

Norma and Arthur met in a history class at Brigham Young University where they were fortuitously seated alphabetically. They graduated together from BYU in 1949. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple on June 5, 1948. For 57 years they created a home filled with love, compassion, teaching, service, fine music, good books, and the blessings of being dedicated members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During those years, they lived in nine states (including Alaska and Hawaii), built or remodeled many homes, and raised five daughters.

Norma’s life was filled with many wonderful musical experiences. In 1934, when only in the first grade, she began to take piano lessons. At the age of ten, she was called to serve as the Junior Sunday School pianist. She traveled to Salt Lake City In the summer of 1944 to study the pipe organ with Dr. Frank Asper (tabernacle organist) at the McCune School of Music. Norma continued to practice the organ as a student at Brigham Young University. She had the privilege to serve as organist in every branch and ward in which they lived throughout her married life. The church calling she enjoyed most was organist at the Laie Hawaii Temple.

Norma is survived by her five daughters: Julie Hansen, Debbie (d. Warren) Atchison, Wendy (Michael) Harris, Leslie (Bruce) Jacques, and Sherrie (Larry) Sabin, 13 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren.

The Hansen family would like to thank all who supported their mother throughout the years, with special gratitude to Visiting Angels and Caregiver Support Network for providing gracious and loving care during her final days. May her memory be honored by continuing to spread the love and kindness she so generously bestowed upon all.

Funeral Services will be held at the Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S Highland Drive, Millcreek, Utah, on Monday, December 18, 2023, at 10:00 am, with a visitation prior to the service from 9:00 am to 9:45 am. Interment will occur in the memorial park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to BYU Philanthropies.