Helen J. Hanson

Helen J Hanson, 100, of Tallahassee died Sunday (1/28) at Brookdale Memory Care. A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania she moved to Tallahassee from Chiefland in 2000. Helen and her husband, Olaf (deceased) were married in 1935. Together they worked for Eastern Airlines and after several moves; Eastern Airlines transferred them to Miami, also in 1935. They lived in Miami until the mid-1970’s which is when they re-located to Chiefland.

Helen was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church and was always very active. She helped start two catholic churches in Miami and also one in Chiefland. She loved music and played the organ, serving as the church organist in the catholic churches in Miami and also in Chiefland. Her music talent also led her to participate in the minstrel shows that were popular many years ago as well as entice her husband to join her in taking ballroom dancing lessons and dancing with her. She also enjoyed searching for various rocks and was a member of the Mineral and Gem Society. Helen was a good cook and every Christmas she would make Fruit Cakes which were in high demand from friends and acquaintances a recipe and technique that she has passed on to her children.

Survivors include her children: Barbara Bender of Tallahassee, Michael (Brenda) of Rockford, TN, Christina Haskew of Marietta, GA; seven grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308-5428.