Karen Hansen, 88, a former Sedro-Woolley resident, passed away on Sunday, May 18, 2014 in Everett, WA. surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on November 18, 1925 in Horsens, Denmark, the eldest of five children of Burchardt & Regil Nielsen.
Karen was raised in Denmark, attended school there, and also in England. She worked in England as an Au Pair and as a bookkeeper. In 1955, Esben Hansen, then living in Canada, whom she had known from Denmark, sent her a marriage proposal. After she accepted, she crossed the Atlantic and the two were married on June 4, 1955 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Shortly thereafter moving to Bellingham, Washington, where their three children were born.
In 1961, after moving to Sedro-Woolley, Karen & Esben purchased the Sedro-Woolley Bakery, which they ran for many years. In 2002 Karen & Esben moved to Washington Oaks, a living facility, in Everett. In 2008 Karen moved to Summer Breeze Haven, a living facility also in Everett, and lived there until her passing.
Karen was an active member for years in the Danish Brotherhood and was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, in Sedro-Woolley.
Karen was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years Esben, her parents, Burchardt & Regil and 2 brothers, Henning and Benno.
She is survived by her children and their spouses: Connie & Jerry Compean, Dean & Dena Hansen and Susan & Mike Schuetze: 7 grandchildren and their spouses: Kortney, Brandon & Holly, Craig, Adam & Jessie, Leslie & John, Lindsey, & Melissa. 5 great grandchildren: Skylan, Olivia, Lillian, ZJ, & Scarlett. 1 sister Anna & 1 brother Steen.
Karen’s family would like to thank Dr. Daniel Goodman & Dr. David Stoller for all of their care given to Karen over the years, and also to Pastors Eric & Rachel Wangen-Hoch, from Bethlehem Lutheran for their support and prayers. Also, thanks to her close friend Christinia Ybarra for all of her help & kindness.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, or a charity of choice.
Graveside Inurnment services will be held at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 12:00 pm followed by a memorial service at Bethlehem Lutheran Church at 1:00 pm with pastor Rachel Wangen-Hoch officiating.
Dear Connie,
I’m so sorry to hear of such a loss your Dear Mother. I will always remember how both of your parents took me in as grandparents. That was very special and dear to my heart. I grew up with out any grandparents and they make me feel special and I existed in someone’s family. We both my parent’s and I spent so many years at your home, and it was a special home. I miss your parents very much, I still brag about them.. when I’m at a bakery no one will ever come close, to making pastries as your father did. 🙂 I felt so blessed and able to help him out at the bakery.
Love & Prayers,
Tamara Suryan-Linday
To the Hansen family.
Very sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. We will miss talking to her on the phone, and her kindness to us through the years.
I still reflect on the friendship that was developed as I washed Esben and Karen’s windows every three months for more than 10 years. The end of the job always included some type of pastry and some fun conversation, both of which were better than could be had anywhere else. It has been an honor knowing both Esben and Karen.
Sue,
I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine how hard this must be. I can’t help but think of the fun we had going to the bakery back when we were in school. Those memories still make me smile. Your folks had the best bakery.
Love and prayers for you and your family,
Kim
Dear Connie, Dean, Susan, et. al.:
My deepest condolences to you all as you grieve the death of your beloved Mother. I have so many wonderful memories of your mom, and all of you as we slogged our way through Sedro-Woolley High. She and your Dad were such icons in Sedro-Woolley as they ran the beloved Bakery, a key part of the Metcalf Street business core. She always was so giving and kind and really worked hard.
I loved going up to your house too, as we planned various activities for the Class of ’77. There was always something tasty to snack on as we planned our strategy. I could go on and on with stories of your folks, as they were both very influential to me all those years ago.
I am so sorry that I will be unable to attend her service on Saturday as my husband Michael and I will be in Minnesota visiting his family. Know that I will be there in spirit and will have a nice special maple bar in her honor and will share some of the fun stories that I have with Michael.
Peace to you all as you cope during this difficult time. May the memories of her special life sustain you and give you strength.
Dear Connie,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your Dear Mother. My Sympathy to you and your Family.
Sure miss the fun times I had working to EGH, you & the Nursery Crew were such fun!
Love & Prayers,
Margaret