By Ken Hansen 

It’s only natural for one to eulogize their departed loved ones, especially a parent. But I feel I can objectively say our mother was a very special spirit whom we were all privileged to know in this life. She will be numbered among the Saints of this generation though she had shortcomings and was not perfect in all things. But she did have an almost divine nature in some things, such as patience, tolerance, and love for her fellow man. 

We know that this life is to test our faith and true character. Mom surely passed the test, for in her 78 years, she had more than her share of tragedy, sorrow, and disappointments. Many would have succumbed to self-pity and despair. But, Mom never knew what the word “quit” meant. She had that unique ability to chuckle and smile at life’s problems. Always trying to bring cheer and sunshine into others lives and encouraging us to have faith in the Lord. 

I know she left this world with not an enemy in it, but multitudes of loving friends. When someone met Mom just briefly or even once, they felt her warmth and genuine concern for them. I never ceased to be amazed how many friends Mom had and she seemed to gain truly devoted friends wherever she went. I mean as so many of you here were. Although her financial position was always rather meager, she left this world wealthy in terms of love, respect, and good deeds.  

The verse, “As Ye sow, so shall Ye reap” was never so personified as in one Mary Hansen. Her life of hard work, honesty, sacrifice and love, leaves us with quite an example to follow. If she could be happy with all the trials of this world, just imagine what her happiness must be as she rejoins many loved ones and earns her reward. Oh! What did I do to merit such a mother as this, I do not know. 

To quote the words of Abraham Lincoln when he said, “If there is anything virtuous, good and noble in me, I owe them all to my angel mother.” 

May God bless her soul and I know he will…Amen! 

This was read at her funeral as part of the Eulogy.