GERALDINE HATCH HANSON

Geraldine Hatch Hanson was born in Malad on March 15, 1947 to M.R. “Swede” Hanson and Deon Hatch Hanson. She died at her home in Boise, ID on August 10, 2011.

Geri was born with a serious heart condition, weighing in just under three pounds. Her mother lovingly cared for her until she was able to have heart surgery at Stanford University Hospital. She was one of only five children accepted for open heart surgery before the invention of what was then called the heart lung bypass machine. She went on to have a second successful operation two years later at Stanford, resulting in her having plenty of energy to lead an interesting and adventuresome life.

Growing up in Malad, other than going to California for surgery and driving to Utah to visit her grandparents, Geri did not get to see much of the rest of the world. Because of health concerns she claimed she was 12 years old before being allowed to stay up late enough to see the moon.

After graduating from Malad High School, she started to make up for lost time. She spent her first year of college at the University of Utah and then transferred to the University of Washington, where she graduated with a degree in journalism. She then took a backpack, purchased a Euro pass and traveled all of Europe, both alone and with friends. After a very extended trip, she returned to Seattle where she worked until deciding to move to Los Angeles.

She loved living in Los Angeles, but a few years later decided it was time to head for New York City, where she worked for the acclaimed Sesame Street. After about nine cold New York winters, she returned to Los Angeles and finally settled down by the beach. She was a wonderful writer and authored a book on astrology and owned a successful financial planning business until having to see the business due to her health.

In early August, 2008, Geri moved to Boise to be closer to her family. Even though she was in failing health, she remained interesting, kind and fun, but even better, she remained incredibly positive.

Geri is survived by her mother, Deon, her brother, Ralph (Kola), her sister, Trudy Fouser (Jack) and her brother, Christopher (Renee). She is also survived by three nephews and two nieces, Tyler Hanson (Michelle), Tess Hanson (Ben), Whitney Deon Fouser, Christopher Eugene Fouser, and Taylor Hanson Fouser. Last, but not least, she is survived by her great-nieces, Avery and Lucy, and her great-nephew Jonah. She was preceded in death by her father and brother, Taylor.

Geri was a loving daughter, an incredibly supportive sister and an adoring Auntie. The family would like to thank Geri’s countless friends, who stood steadfastly by her side, and also a special thank you to St. Luke’s Hospice. They are heroes.

A private burial will take place in Malad. A celebration of her life will be held in Los Angeles.