Merry Susan Hansen

She was born in Port Chester, NY, on August 7, 1949 to the late Francis and Wilma (Nemetz) Mahan.

Sue is survived by her children, David (Tracey) Hansen of Madison, CT, and Karen (Nicholas) DeFelice of Chester, CT. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Juliana and Gabrielle Hansen, and Jackson and Chloe DeFelice.

She graduated from Greenwich High School before earning a degree in interior design from Fairfield University.

Creativity and a deep appreciation for beauty were woven throughout her life. A talented interior decorator, she had an exceptional eye for color, texture, and design and a lifelong love of antiques. She was an active antique dealer for many years, finding great joy in discovering pieces with history, character, and a story to tell.

She was also a gifted fiber artist and especially passionate about the traditional art of rug hooking. Over the years, she shared that passion with countless students in Stamford, Greenwich, and Madison, passing along not only her skill and knowledge but her love for the craft. Her own creative pursuits also included needlepoint and knitting, and her beautiful handwork reflected both her remarkable talent and her patient attention to detail.

And she never took herself too seriously. With her cheeky sense of humor, she delighted in referring to herself as “a hooker and a dealer,” a perfectly mischievous description of a woman who spent so many years hooking rugs and dealing antiques.

Above all, Sue loved her family. She took great pride in her children and grandchildren and treasured the lives, traditions, and memories they shared. She will be remembered for her creativity, her humor, her independent spirit, and the many beautiful things she created, collected, and passed along to others. Her influence lives on not only in the family she loved, but in the countless students, friends, and fellow artists with whom she shared her talents over the years.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Please consider making a memorial donation to PBS, an organization Sue gave to regularly.