Kathy Hanson, age 63, of Valparaiso, passed away Saturday, September 03, 2022, surrounded by her family. She was born in 1959 in Bellingham, WA to the late Vernon and Doris Colenbrander.
In 1981, she married Bill Hanson, who survives. They were married for 41 years. She is also survived by her sisters, Kem (David) Meadows of Colleyville, TX, Karmin Colenbrander of Lafayette, IN. Also surviving are her children, Katelyn (Nathan) Payne of Indianapolis, John Hanson of Indianapolis, IN, Evelyn (Jay) Crots of Chesterton; and grandchildren, Adeleine, Jack William, and Elizabeth Payne; Noah and Lilah Crots. Preceded in death by brother, Kelvin (Victoria) Colenbrander.
She graduated from Harrison High School, West Lafayette, IN, Class of 1977. She graduated from Purdue University with an engineering degree and a nursing degree. She also graduated from the University of Illinois with a master’s degree in Midwifery. She was a member of Liberty Bible Church in Chesterton. Kathy was a Certified Nurse Midwife who delivered over 3000 babies. She delivered babies on three continents, North America, South America, and Africa. Kathy’s specialty was women’s health care. Kathy was a life-long learner.
Kathy enjoyed her family, her friends, her church, her work, running, gardening, and cooking. She had a strong faith in Jesus Christ. We take great comfort that her suffering is over, and she is with her Savior. She battled breast cancer in her final years.
Visitation will be on Friday, September 09, 2022, at Liberty Bible Church, 824 N. Calumet, Chesterton, IN from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. A funeral service will be held immediately following visitation at 6:00 pm on Friday, September 09, 2022. A private burial service will be at Graceland Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in Kathy’s name to Liberty Bible Church. Click here to watch the recorded funeral service.
GUESTBOOK
Dear Bill & family, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your dear wife. Although I never knew Kathy personally, you were clearly happy together. I trust her legacy will live on in the lives she touched and even brought into this world. May the Lord comfort you as you grieve as well as give joy in celebrating her life and loves. -Ferne Weimer
Kathy and I worked at St Anthony Hospital is Chicago. I too, am a midwife. Although we did not work together long, she has affected me profoundly. I enjoyed her so much! Not only did we bond on midwifery, but also o. Self health and what we chose to eat. Between shifts, we would spend at least a half an hour talking. She often talked about her children and grand children. She also told me about her home/farm and garden. I so wanted to see it and visit her. My biggest regret is not saying goodbye. Me deepest condolences. She was an amazing soul and she had touched so many. -Margarita Flores
