Doris E. Hanson

Preceded in death by brothers Lyle and Robert, sister Erna, and Helen Thal, along with foster children Larry and Leona, Doris is survived by nieces Leanna Hanson (Redmond, WA) and Carla Hooper (Azle, Tx), nephews Craig Hanson (Portland, OR), Erik Hanson (San Diego, CA) and Chris Hanson, and cousin Gary Finke (Tacoma, WA). She is also survived by her chosen family: Gretchen Thal, Craig Driver, Juanita Brooks and a plethora of dear friends around the world.

Doris was born in Bowbells, North Dakota on March 29, 1928 to Fred and Laura Hanson. The oldest of four siblings growing up on a farm she learned to drive a tractor before driving a car. The family moved to Enumclaw, Washington prior to her senior year of high school. Doris went on to earn degrees from Washington State University (B.S.) and Columbia University Teachers College (M.S. and EdD) in the field of home economics. From this, she built a career and lifelong commitment to advocating for family life, from educational initiatives to being a long-time supporter of seniors being able to age with dignity in their own homes.

In her professional life, Doris went from a role on the editorial staff of McCall's Magazine in the 1950's to higher education as Assistant Dean of Purdue University School of Home Economics in the 1960's. During that time, she also helped establish a College of Home Economics in Dacca, Pakistan. She became Executive Director of the American Home Economics Association in Washington, DC, in 1967, where she built the organization's financial base and extended its outreach to developing countries, helping to strengthen home economic education. In 1974, Doris founded HomeCall, Inc. of Frederick, Maryland to aid older people with chores and errands, and enabling them to remain in their own homes as an alternative to institutional care. In the 15 years of Doris's leadership, HomeCall grew into a full home healthcare company serving all ages across multiple states.

In 1990, Doris moved to Belleair, Florida with long-time friend Helen Thal. Doris became a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Clearwater, where she was active for 35 years. She served on the Florida-Bahamas Synod Older Adult Committee, a commitment that grew into many years of service with the Association of Lutheran Older Adults (ALOA). She became President of the national organization's board in the early 2000's. In addition, Doris held leadership roles in Pinellas County Church Women United, PACE Center for Girls and P.E.O.

In her later years, Doris continued to be passionate about enabling older individuals to live out their lives with dignity in the comfort of their own homes. She never tired of inviting others to join her in this mission, and she was the driving force behind the establishment of LIV-UP (Lutheran Intentional Village in Upper Pinellas) in 2016. A community-based non-profit, LIV-UP utilizes trusted volunteers to provide "helping hands" services to help older adults navigate the challenges of aging in place.

In her final months, Doris often quoted her mother saying, "I've lived my life, I've sung my song and now I'll go where I belong."

A memorial worship service will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 11:00 am with a gathering to follow at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Gathering at St. John's Episcopal, 1676 S. Belcher Rd., Clearwater, FL 33764. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church or to Chapter FO, P.E.O.