Mary Ellen Hanson

Mary Ellen (Currier) Hanson, 93, of Mason City, died Thursday, January 5, 2017 at the Good Shepherd Health Center. A funeral mass will be held at 1:30 PM Monday, January 9, 2017 at Epiphany Parish Holy Family Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday from 6 until 8 PM with a Scripture wake service starting at 7:30 followed by a rosary at the Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 North Pennsylvania Ave. Memorials may be directed to the Epiphany Parish or Hospice of North Iowa in Mary’s name.

Mary was born January 4, 1924 the daughter of Fred and Ida (Kolb) Currier in Mason City, Iowa. She graduated from Holy Family High School continued her education at Mount Carmel Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Detroit, Michigan. Her employment journey took her to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Mason City, Park Clinic Memorial Hospital, Migrant Action Program as summer nurse, first aide nurse at the Armour Company and the Nora Springs Care Center. She was a past member of the Holy Family Parent Teacher Association, Holy Family Ladies Guild, Dubuque ACCW, RSVP, Volunteer Good Shepherd Health Center, member of the LUGA and Rock Falls Senior Citizens.

Mary remained living on the farm NE of Mason City for 67 years until going to Good Shepherd. She enjoyed being with her family, working on craft projects such as wood carving and doing ceramics, working in her flower gardens and traveling. Mary and John enjoyed 25 years in their mobile home in Apache Junction, AZ.

Those thankful for having shared in Mary’s life include her sons, Paul (Nancy) Hanson, Bill (Cheryl) Hanson, Mike (Kimberly) Hanson; grandchildren, Jessica, Jerilee, Jack Hanson, Beth (Josh) Paul, Cathy Hanson, Mark (Melissa) Hanson, Dan Hanson; 8 great grandchildren; brother, Owen (Brenda) Currier; brother in law, Roger Curtis; Many nieces and nephews, several foster grandchildren, and a special friend, Shari Paulson.

Mrs. Hanson was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Ida Currier; husband, John (2003); son, Jerry (Barb) Hanson; brother, Rev. Thomas F. Currier; sisters, Florence (Don) Kudej, Marge Curtis and Kathleen (Ralph) Lockwood.