Marian D. Hanson

Marian D. Hanson of Berkshire died at age 92 on Monday, February 22 at the Hospicare Residence in Ithaca. Marian was born November 28, 1923 to Levi and Ruth Davis in Berkshire. She was a 1942 graduate of Ithaca High School and pursued agricultural studies at Cornell. In 1943 she enlisted in the US Navy, serving in the WAVES in Virginia and Oklahoma. She married Delbert W. Hanson in Slaterville Springs on January 24, 1946. They lived in the Ithaca area and in Berkshire.

Marian was a lover of the outdoors. She worked on farms throughout her life raising animals, riding horses, and gardening. She also worked as a bus driver at Cornell for many years, relishing the company of her coworkers and the many people she met on the bus. She and Del shared an interest in camping and fishing. In retirement years they took camping trips throughout the US, including Alaska, and owned a fishing camp on the St. Lawrence River. She was an accomplished cook and baker and shared that gift with everyone who entered her home. Most dearly, she will be remembered by her family as a devoted and loving wife and mother.

In addition to her husband, Marian was predeceased by her sons D. Walter Hanson, III, and Steven O. Hanson; and her grandson Sean A. Hanson. She is survived by her son Andrew (Julie) Hanson of Berkshire, daughters Susan (Richard) Sears of Easton, MD and Laurie (Douglas) Arnold of Dryden; daughter-in-law Susan Hanson of Berkshire; and her brothers Sheldon Davis and Philip Davis of Berkshire. Ten grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren are blessed with loving memories of Grandma Hanson.

In accordance with Marian's wishes, there will be no services. A memorial celebration for Marian and Del will be held at a later date. The family gives special thanks to Dr. Ann Costello for her steadfast care of Marian for many years, to the staff of Cayuga Medical Center, and to Hospicare for their gentle care in Marian's final days. Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution is asked to consider the Slaterville Fire Department, Hospicare of Ithaca, or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Final arrangements will be handled by Perkins Funeral Home of Dryden.