Mary Lea Hansen

April 9, 1931 - April 9, 2019

Mary-Lea ‘Mary’ Hansen, celebrated her 88th birthday by joining her creator on April 9, 2019. Mary was born to the late Carlton and Dorothy (Bigger) Stevens on April 9, 1931 in Traverse City. She grew up taking life by storm and never quit until the end. Even then, she left her earthly body with peace. Mary always had a good attitude about everything, never finding negative energy to be useful. She was described as a wonderful lady who was a true blessing to both family and friends. She was an active and faithful member of the Grant United Methodist Church always helping with anything that she could. Some of Mary’s best moments were hanging with the ladies from church and getting her hair done weekly; after all, those are the times that the best gossip is dispersed. She loved playing cards, watching her MSU basketball team and looking out the window at the hummingbirds. She will be missed by all. Mary is survived by her son Gerald Crandall, her step children; Janie Cesar, Vincent “DJ” (Jeri) Hansen, Janice (Fred Frost) Cooley, Peter (Pamela) Hansen, Anthony Hansen and Timothy (Candy) Hansen, sisters; Beulah "Bea" Jakielek and Phyllis (John) Hagger. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Vincent Hansen, her son Rodney Crandall, her sisters; Carmon Bonebrake and Carol Sheets as well as her brothers, Ronald Stevens and Donald Stevens at infancy. Family and friends will gather to celebrate Mary’s life on April 13, 2019 at the Grant United Methodist Church at 11:00am with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Julie Lawhead will officiate the service. Mary’s final resting place will be at the Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens beside her husband Vince Hansen. Those wishing an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the church in Mary’s name. The family is being cared for and served by the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.