Irene DuBois Hanson

Irene DuBois Hanson, 94, left us on Nov. 9, 2015, in Fort Collins, CO. Irene was born Oct. 19, 1921, in Laconia, NH, the daughter of Alphonse and Beatrice (Dagenais) DuBois. Irene attended school in Laconia and graduated from the New Hampshire State Hospital School of Nursing on June 30, 1942, after fulfilling the necessary requirements, Irene became a Registered Nurse on April 8, 1943. Irene joined the Army Nurse Corps on Nov 3, 1943, as a 2nd Lieutenant and served her Country during World War II.

Irene was very proud of her service to her Country. She helped treat some of the very first casualties from the Normandy, France, invasion on June 6, 1944 (D-Day). Irene was promoted to 1st Lieutenant on June 1, 1945, and continued her service during the war throughout Europe. Upon being honorably discharged on May 6, 1946, Irene settled in Bar Harbor, ME, to continue her nursing career. On a blind date, Irene met Reginald (Reg) Carl Hanson and married him on Nov 23, 1946. Reg and Irene were a fixture at the annual Harborlighter’s Ball, Wayback Ball, and Hayseeder’s Ball. Irene was the Head Maternity Nurse at Mount Desert Island (MDI) Hospital for many years and helped many MDI children be born throughout her years. When her children were young, Irene was a very active member of the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and the Daughters of Isabella. She was a talented seamstress who shared her gifts and talents with her family. In 1979, Irene and her daughter Jane, moved to Colorado to be with her twin daughters, Ann and Beth, who had relocated to Colorado. She worked at Poudre Valley Hospital and was a proud and active member of the Fort Collins, CO, VFW Post 1781 for many years. As her health and mobility declined, Irene had to give up many of the activities she so enjoyed among them being VFW functions, the Military Officers Association Social Group, and her dancing (mom loved to dance).

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Reg, who also served his Country during WWII as a Sergeant in the Army. Irene is survived by her five children, Gayle Hanson Kollman and her husband John Kollman of Bar Harbor, ME, Jane Hanson of Wellington, CO, Ann Yadon of Fort Collins, CO, Beth Hanson-Renck and her husband Paul Renck of Platteville, CO, and Joseph Hanson and his wife Monique of Hulls Cove, ME, 9 grandchildren Katherine Kollman, John Hanson, John Kollman, Amanda Hanson, Caresse Hanson, Seth Hanson-Renck, Christopher Hanson-Renck, Alina Gallahar and Betsey Yadon, 12 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, Doug Yadon of Fort Collins, CO, and her special friend George Sayer of Fort Collins, CO. Irene was a strong-willed lady who had bravely faced many of life’s most difficult situations. Irene was passionate, opinionated, creative, proud and strong, and she will be missed greatly by those who loved her.

We, as the proud children of Reg and Irene, will miss them greatly and will never forget how patriotic and proud they both were to have been able to serve their Country in the time of need. Often times during our childhood, mom would ""pull rank"" on dad in order to ""get her way"".

There will be a celebration of Irene's life at the VFW Post 1781, 603 Lesser Dr. in Fort Collins, CO, on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015. Family will receive friends at 12:00 noon and the celebration will start at 1:00 p.m. with a reception to follow. Interment will be held in Bar Harbor, Maine, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ""The Wounded Warriors Project"" in care of Allnutt Funeral service, 650 W. Drake Road, Fort Collins, Co. 80526