Helen Howard Hanson

Helen died peacefully on January 28th. In addition to her cherished roles as mother and grandmother, Helen was an artist, teacher, friend, animal lover, pianist, writer, and civic advocate. She graduated from Hope College in Michigan where she met her late husband David. She’s survived by daughter Lora Hanson Warner (Steve) of Green Bay, and son-in-law Randy Doughty of State College, PA.

She is further survived by grandsons Paul (Tiffani) in Champaign, IL and Benjamin (Jenni), in Cartago, Costa Rica. Helen and Dave adored their grandsons and kept them close at heart despite the distance. The family delights in the fact that Helen got to know her grandsons’ partners Tiffani and Jenni as well as her great-grandson, Miles. Helen is further survived by many beloved extended family members.

Helen brought people together in every place she lived. Born in Kingston, NY, she and Dave lived in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Green Bay. Each time she moved, she developed new friendships through inviting people to get together in her home. She helped establish two preschools, a hospice, neighborhood groups, book clubs, bridge clubs and women’s support groups wherever she lived. At age 87, following COVID and despite her sadness in leaving Pennsylvania, Helen helped to build community at Bellevue Senior Living by establishing a book club, a women’s group, and more.

Helen overcame some major life challenges, including a terminal cancer diagnosis in 1980, the deaths of her daughter Wendy in 2019, husband Dave in 2022, and her beloved dog Heather in 2025.

The family thanks her Boalsburg, PA friends for their continued support after the move, friends at First United Church of Christ, and the staff of Bellevue Senior Living and Unity Hospice. The love you shared with Helen remains in your hearts and also in ours.

Services will be held at the First United Church of Christ in Green Bay on February 6th with visitation at 3pm followed by a funeral service at 4pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to worldwildlife.org or https://action.aclu.org/give/now. Further information and photos online at simplycremationgb.com