Evelyn T. Hansen

Surrounded by her family, Evelyn passed away with the reassurance of their presence: hearing what a great mother she had been and how much she was loved. With Mother’s Day just days earlier, she had also enjoyed visits from many close friends and other immediate family members.

Evelyn had a happy childhood and would often share fond memories of both her father and mother. One experience growing up was while in her teens. A major earthquake occurred which required her and her older brother, Lew, to spend part of a year living with relatives in Idaho so they could continue with high school. After graduation from Helena High School in 1939, Evelyn attended nursing school at University of Washington. It was there she met her future husband John, who was the anatomy instructor for her nursing school class. After John’s admission to medical school in Portland, she discontinued her schooling and moved to Portland where she worked while he completed his studies. She lived in Portland for the rest of her life, except for a two year period starting in 1955 when she moved to Puerto Rico with John, so he could satisfy a military assignment at the local Army hospital.

Evelyn worked as a medical secretary in Pathology at the old St. Vincent Hospital site prior to the birth of her children. After her marriage to John ended in divorce, she returned to work at Physicians Medical Laboratories and later at the new St. Vincent Hospital site. After her retirement from St. Vincent in 1986, she became a member of the volunteer Guild at the hospital. She continued to be an active volunteer for 18 years, achieving a total of 3,950 hours. She greatly enjoyed working with Sister Peggy and Patty Cecchi pushing the magazine and candy cart to each patient room.

Travel, friends, and family were very important to Evelyn. She was sustained and gained support from the many friendships she developed during her life. She met old neighborhood friends and co-workers at the Harmon Pool for water aerobics and continued their tradition of going to lunch on member birthdays, even after she quit going to the pool. After retirement, her co-workers from St. Vincent would come to her apartment to pick her up for dinner. She greatly enjoyed seeing them and their efforts to include her.

Evelyn was very close to her siblings Lew and Beverly. They spoke with each other often. Lew would frequently take Mom along when he attended luncheons and other functions of organizations. Although her sister Beverly lived out of town, they were able to enjoy great times together when she came to visit. Evelyn was very proud of her Irish heritage and was able to make a trip to Ireland. She cherished the memories of this visit and stayed in contact with relatives she had connected with.

For the last ten years, Evelyn has resided at The Courtyard Village. She loved living there and being surrounded by all her friends. The activities were always plentiful: outside shopping trips, events, movies, salmon night and bingo (one of her favorites). She was a frequent winner; in fact the night before she died, she won 5 games! After the game, she and her friends would sit around the fireplace to visit. Although she was noted for her great sense of humor, we don’t think she ever wore her “bingo crown” to the gathering to rub it in. She loved them all and was loved back; it was her home.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her brother Lew and her son Jim. She is survived by Jim’s wife Katy Nadal; sons Tom (Kim Manley), Doug (Merry), and Dave (Mary); seven grandchildren; and her dear friends Kazi, Praan; their daughters Aleesha and Aneya who were very special to her and became part of her immediate family.

Evelyn’s family would like to express great appreciation for the multiple kindnesses and assistance provided by residents and staff at Courtyard Village, and for the incredible effort made each day by her caregiver Kris and the wonderful Providence Hospice Team.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2011, from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at Courtyard Village in Raleigh Hills, 4875 SW 78th Avenue, Portland, OR 97225. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Providence St Vincent’s Guild or to Providence Hospice

Arrangements under the direction of Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Portland, OR.