Obituary for Sylvia (Sally) L. Hanson

Sylvia (Sally) Hanson, age 89, of Brooklyn Center passed away on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. Sally passed away peacefully at Maranatha in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota of natural causes.

Sally was born in Tomahawk, Wisconsin to Harry and Hazel (Polege) Kind. Sally was the second of three children and spent part of her childhood on the West Coast but graduated from Tomahawk High School.

As a young adult, Sally lived in Nebraska where she enjoyed playing basketball for a city team. Her work for Gambles brought her to Minneapolis where she met Lynn Hanson at a work event. Sally and Lynn were married on August 24, 1957 and made their home in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota where they raised two children.

Sally was instrumental in starting women’s sports in the city of Brooklyn Center, due to her love of softball, basketball, volleyball, and golf. The onset of rheumatoid arthritis in her early 30’s shifted her focus from sports to serving in her community. She was an active volunteer during the early years of CEAP (Community Emergency Assistance Program) in Brooklyn Center back when it was started in the St. Alphonsus Church garage.

In the early 70’s Sally became involved with United Prayer Ministries which led to her 20-year career developing and managing Evelyn Christenson Ministries. Sally served three years as secretary treasurer of Christian Women United AD 2000 North America Women’s Track.

Sally and Lynn spent 25 plus years between Brooklyn Center and Arizona. While in Arizona Sally enjoyed following the Arizona Diamondbacks and was an avid reader. She frequented Barnes and Noble often as it combined two of her favorite things… books and coffee.

Sally was preceded in death by brother Gene Kind; sister Danis DiBell; brothers in law Jim Hanson and Kirby Hanson; and life-long friends Geri and Vergil Anderson.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Lynn; son, David (Elise) Hanson of Fridley; daughter, Susan (Jeff) Moore of Faribault; grandson, Dalton (Rachel) Moore of Faribault; granddaughter Mandi (Josiah) Smith of Fitchburg, Massachusetts; great grandchildren Elliott and Maeryn Moore; sisters in law Dorothy Kind, Bev Hanson, and Lisa Hanson; and dear friend Jeanne Wagner.

The family would like to thank the staff of Maranatha who provided kind care not only to Sally but to the entire family during Sally’s brief time there. Thank you as well to Optage Hospice whose extra services and guidance helped Mom and our family navigate her final days.

A private family memorial service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Arthritis Foundation at https://www.arthritis.org/pain.