Josephine "Jo" Hanson

Josephine Marie Hanson went to be with the Lord surrounded by her loving family April 17, 2012. She was born Aug 17, 1923 in Minneapolis Minnesota the daughter of Vince and Rose Surma and the oldest of 4 children. After high school graduation she began a journey to California to begin a new life, stopping briefly in Sandpoint, which became her home. She met and married Bud Hanson, her loving husband of 68 years. Jo worked for the city of Sandpoint in the utility department and as city treasurer from 1970 to 1987. She had the honor of serving her community as a two term city council member from 1988-1996. “Grandma Hanson” had a special place in her heart for each and every one of her 17 grandchildren: Tim, Trevor, Chris, Jacki, Cindy, Lisa, Kim, Sean, Ryan, Joe, Robin, Amy, J.D., Dustin, Rob, Aaron and Scott. She also has 31 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. She created many wonderful memories for her family, including elaborate Easter egg hunts, festive Christmas Eves, and delicious Sunday dinners. Her sense of humor is one of the things her family loved most about her. Family was her life, and she was the center of it. A beautiful example for every one, she was inclusive, loving, accepting, tolerant, forgiving, and gracious. She led an active busy life, and yet somehow found time to crochet afghans for many people. Her gardens were immaculately tended. A great cook, no one went hungry at Jo’s house. She made sure there were chicken & noodles and apple pie for everyone and the coffee was always on. With her kind and generous spirit, she was the ultimate caregiver, tenderly assisting her husband in their later years. True to form, her final words to her family were “I love you, too.” She was preceded in death by her husband, Bud, sister, Florence Thacker, and half-sisters Delores Sieben and Emily Grimm. She is survived by her six children Bob and Tae Hanson, Rick and Donna Hanson, Ron and Ranel Hanson, Gayle and Jack McElroy, Sue and Chuck Haynes, Rhonda and Ben Tate; a brother Tom Surma and a sister Helen Hurdt; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Her family is appreciative of the excellent care she received, especially from the devoted staff at Hearthstone Village in Kootenai. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church building fund, 601 South Lincoln Avenue Sandpoint, ID 83864. A rosary vigil will be held April 27th at 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 10 a.m. Saturday April 28th. Father Dennis C. Day will be officiating followed by a graveside interment at Pinecrest Memorial Park.