HANSEN, Helen
February 21, 1925 – December 17, 2011
Helen Hansen of Calgary, passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at the age of 86 years.
She was born in Holstebro, Denmark in the year 1925 and immigrated to Canada in 1955. She said that this was, “the best move I ever made”. She married my dad, Olaf Tranberg Hansen, on October 1, 1956 – another “best move” according to her. After four years of trying to have a baby, Olaf (Ole) (I) was born.
Helen (mom) remained my best friend until the moment of her passing. Her wisdom was always valued by myself and my family. I could talk with my mom like no one else, discussing life’s more personal issues. She was both a great mom and trusted friend.
She remained independent, informed and responsible into her senior years. If you are going to lead, lead through example. She remains an example of a person who always wanted to learn through to the senior years. Ten years ago, she started taking computer lessons. Because of that, we had the chance to video conference weekly with her over Skype using web cams, receive messages using Yahoo Messenger and exchange e-mails.
I am married to Carla Longobucco, living in Brazil with our two children, Ettore (three) and Gianluca (ten). They enjoyed chatting with my mom on our Sunday calls and each would take their turn.
During visits with my mom (affectionately known as “Fa-Fa”) in Canada, Gianluca would play games such as monopoly and Go-Fish. She liked to read to him. He was very close to my mom and always showed great respect.
Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Fish Creek Chapel (14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Friday, December 23, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.
In living memory of Helen Hansen, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.
Print Obituary & Condolences
Dear Ole and Carla,
My deepest sympathies on your Mom’s passing. She was a great friend to my mom and the other “coffee ladies.” As a child, I always loved seeing all the nice things in your home and remember how welcome your Mom always made us feel. She was a lovely lady and will be missed.
Kim van Eeken-Dixon
Ole, Carla,Gianluca & Ettore –
Ettore – as Fa – Fa , would call
him “the little one”.
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to you All … How we will all miss her..and she was always afraid I might move from across the street even though I e-mailed and called just to check in when I didn’t ring the door bell. What special memories of a very special lady in my life. She was truly loved by us All..
Ole
Your Mom and Dad were two of the “finest” people I have ever met. Our families go well back to the early Link Hardware days, and your parents were one of the primary reasons that our “link families” succeeded. They brought wisdom, tremendous business acumen and their unfailing integrity to every person they met.
My Dad is still alive and he still regales us in the stories of the Hansen’s. They will remain in our hearts – they were very special.
With our deep felt sentiments,
John and Betty, Don Blake
Ole, Carla, Gianluca and Ettore
Please know how saddened we were to hear of your Mom’s passing. It was lovely to have become friends with all of you, during the time we lived in Lake Bonavista. Helen had a truly sharp wit and exuded youth that did not match her years. We were blessed to have such a lovely neighbor. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Love
Carla, Michael, Brendan, Declan and Nolan
Dear Ole and Carla – My sympathies on the passing of your mom. She was a good friend to my mom for over 50 years. She gave my mom a little wall plaque from Denmark many years ago; I admired it so much that Mom gave it to me. So I have a little memento of your mom in my house and will think of her each time I look at it. I have lived in Ontario for many years now, but about five years ago had the chance to see your mom and the “coffee ladies” when I was in Calgary. She will be missed!