Teresa Hansen

People often consider themselves blessed by the many events of their lives – sharing love with a spouse, caring for children, spoiling grandchildren and experiencing new adventures every day. Teresa Hansen was one of these special people. She exemplified all that a wife, mother and grandmother should be.

The 1950s marked a quieter, more stable time in American history, especially after the turbulent 1940s. It was a good time to grow up in America, and because of the Baby Boom, towns everywhere were bursting at the seams with children. Teresa Mae Rice was one of those children. Born in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, on July 7, 1951, she was one of six children born to Roderick and Marguerite Rice.

It was obvious from a young age that Teresa was a bright girl. From a young girl to her elderly years, Teresa was passionate about reading, particularly romance novels and mysteries. In fact, she’d read over 100 books a year, and would watch her favorite movie, Somewhere in Time, over and over again. Most children would rather be outside playing, however, Teresa loved to experience a new adventure through her reading. And when she just couldn’t put the book down, she’d secretly read it in bed at night via a flashlight, much to her mother’s dismay.

Teresa received her education in the area schools and graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1969. She then went on to attend Central Michigan University, where she earned a degree in Library Science, how appropriate. Shortly after high school, Teresa started dating Jeffrey Hansen, who she’d known since she was 16 – he lived across the street from her. Over their 2 years courtship, the young couple fell in love and was happily married in 1971. The newlyweds settled into married life together in Bridgeport, Michigan, where Jeff served on the Michigan State Police. Meanwhile, Teresa put her college degree to good use by helping to start the first library in the nearby town of Frankenmuth. While living in Bridgeport, the couple welcomed the birth of their first child, son Bryon, in 1978. A year later, Jeff’s post changed, and the family of three moved to Birch Run. However, they weren’t there long before Jeff was transferred to the Saugatuck Post, and the couple had to live apart for a year. During this time, Teresa was once again instrumental in starting the first library in Birch Run.

In 1980, Teresa and baby Bryon joined Jeff in Douglas, Michigan, where they finally put down roots. In that same year, the couple also delighted in welcoming the birth of their daughter, Rebecca. After baby Rebecca was born, Teresa stayed home for 3 years with her children to devote herself to the role of a mother. She then went back to work part-time at the Fennville and Grand Rapids Post Offices. After some time, Teresa transferred to the Holland Post Office, where she worked full-time for 13 years, until her illness caused her to retire in 2007.

When it came too relaxing, Teresa and Jeff loved to go boating together. They first owned a 17-foot outboard and later traded it for a 39-foot Sea Ray. While Jeff was at the helm, steering the boat over the water, Teresa was close by, reading a book. When it came to music, Teresa enjoyed Celtic music, and was not above traveling a distance to hear a good Irish band. What gave Teresa the greatest joy, though, was spending time with her 4 precious grandchildren, whom she adored. Her grandkids affectionately called her “Mia”. When they would visit, she would say "Come give “me a” kiss" so fast, that it sounded like "Mia". The name stuck! Teresa was very sad that she would not be able to see her grandchildren grow up.

For the past 16 months, Teresa had valiantly battled stomach cancer, but sadly lost the fight on Sunday, December 7, 2008, as she died at her home surrounded by her loving family. Her husband, children and grandchildren will remember her as a woman who touched their lives, a woman who will be part of their memories forever.

Teresa M. Hansen, age 57, of Douglas, MI, died on Sunday, December 7, 2008, at her home. Preceding her in death was her father, Roderick Rice, and brothers, Gary and Nicholas Rice. Surviving is her husband, Jeffrey Hansen of Douglas; children, Bryon and Nicole Hansen of Hudsonville, and Rebecca Hansen and Brandon Kury of Fennville; grandchildren: Colten, Brayden, Sydney and Amaya; her mother, Marguerite Rice of Mt. Pleasant; brothers, David Rice and Mark and Marcia Rice, both of Mt. Pleasant, Keith Brooks of Midland, Aqualino (Mike) Soriano of San Diego, CA; sister, Carol and Larry Shaw of Elwill, MI; in-laws, Greg and Pamela Hansen of Mt. Pleasant, Bradley and Cindy Hansen of Midland, and Babette and Robert Rea of Winfield, IL.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 11, at 2:00 p.m. in the Mulder Chapel of Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes, 188 West 32nd Street, Holland. Officiating will be the Rev. Ron Lancaster. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant, MI. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, December 10, from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Douglas Library, Douglas, MI or Gilda's Club of Grand Rapids, MI. Please visit Teresa’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory with her family or sign her online guest book.