Tracey Ann Hanson

Tracey of Alexandria, Virginia, passed away on February 23rd, 2021 of long term health conditions which became terminal with complications of COVID-19. She was 61 years old, born on August 29, 1959 in Atlanta, Georgia. Tracey was the beloved daughter of Ed Hanson of Issaquah, WA, and Shirley Hanson of Alexandria, VA, and beloved sister of Curt Hanson of Alexandria, VA and her late brother Eric. She was lovingly cared for in various locations as the U.S. Navy moved the family to duty stations around the country. In her childhood she underwent open heart surgery at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland to repair a congenital condition that would have severely limited her physical activity and shortened her life. Her devoted parents were active in advocating for better opportunities for people with Down’s Syndrome and other disabilities. They helped develop the first special education opportunities available for Tracey during their stays in Saint Mary’s County, Maryland and Brunswick, Maine. In existing schools for Intellectual Disabled children, Tracey learned to read and write and excel in gymnastics to the level she participated in Special Olympic competition in Rhode Island and Maine. While in Maine she earned selection to compete in the National Special Olympics competition in Los Angles, California in 1972 winning a Silver Medal in her division of interpretive dancing. Tracey was a championship bowler and team leader. She won numerous trophies for her bowling skills and was frequently recognition for her skill in motivating her team in winning. For a number of her adult years she enjoyed work opportunities at Fairfax Opportunities Unlimited which, along with a gift shop, was formed by parents and friends of people with disabilities. The parents advocated successfully for initial funding by Fairfax County. Her jobs there consisted of performing mail room tasks ultimately being a part of the quality control team. She enjoyed all the social opportunities afforded at Service Source to include parties, picnics, dances, computer classes, dance classes and other programs. Tracey was a member of the first Girl Scout Troop in Northern Virginia which was started by parents of handicapped persons. There she accumulated many Scout badges and honors. Known by her family and friends as a “Norman Rockwell Girl” she expected her Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations to look like a Norman Rockwell Painting. Although suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease the latter years of her life she retained her high interest in music and dancing. Her life-long favorite music was from the Wizard of OZ movie and her beloved Monkees, an American rock and pop band from the late sixties and early seventies. Tracey was a loving inspiration to her family and many friends and is sorely missed. She had a terrific sense of humor and a compassionate heart which enhanced the lives of all people she met. A Memorial Service for Tracey Hanson has been scheduled for April 10, 2021 at 11:00 am at Annandale United Methodist Church, 6935 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003. In lieu of flowers the family of Tracey Hanson would appreciate expressions of sympathy be made in the form of donations to Annandale United Methodist Church, Service Source Foundation, Capital Caring Hospice, in her name. Annandale United Methodist Church 6935 Columbia Pike Annandale, VA 22003 Service Source Foundation 10467 White Granite Drive Oakton, VA 22124 Capital Caring Hospice 4715 15th Street North Arlington, VA 22205