Obituary of Joyce Hansen

Joyce Alice Hansen passed away surrounded by love on June 8, 2021, at age 88. She was born Joyce Alice Weber on November 28, 1932, in Walla Walla, Wash., to Wellington “Duke” and Edna Patrick Weber. Joyce’s middle name honored her maternal grandmother, Alice Behnke Patrick, known to the family as Granny. Joyce attended elementary school in various cities across Oregon and Washington before enrolling at Girls Polytechnic High School in Portland. During her high school years, Joyce was active in drama including a role as Beth in “Little Women.” She met Ed Hansen backstage at a joint theatrical production with Benson Polytechnic (where Ed was a student). Ed served as prompter for the play. In 1950, Joyce graduated from high school and attended Willamette University in Salem until she and Ed were married in February 1951. They raised four daughters in Northeast Portland and (briefly) New Orleans. The Hansens celebrated their 40th anniversary before Ed passed away in November 1991. Joyce spent years in civil service as administrative support for the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, Veterans Administration and Internal Revenue Service. Her tenure included three months living and working outside Washington, D.C. She retired in 1995 as an executive secretary for the Bonneville Power Administration, when she was recognized for 20 years of service with the federal government. Active at Faith Lutheran and then Hope Presbyterian churches, Joyce shared her love of music and the Lord. She was featured vocalist in worship services, for Full Gospel Businessmen’s luncheons and on six mission trips to the Philippines. Her repertoire included gospel songs in Tagalog. Joyce also crossed the country by train and joined her church in ministry to the British Isles. With family, she cruised to the Bahamas (with a stop at Disney World) and traveled to Europe, visiting England, France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Closer to home, she joined family in an RV for a memorable trek to the Grand Canyon. She was a regular visitor at Christian Renewal Center in Silverton, Ore., which she supported whole-heartedly. She brought her grandchildren there as well. When her daughters were younger, she was a Girl Scout leader and led camping trips to Spirit Lake (among other sites). She also took her children to Aldersgate Bible camp in Turner, Ore., in earlier years. Joyce’s maternal forebearers, the Patrick family, crossed the California Trail in the late 1800s and ultimately settled outside Dayton, Wash. Joyce has been a mainstay at the biannual family reunion, which draws relatives from the Pacific Northwest, California, Oklahoma, Texas and the East Coast. The family wishes to express appreciation to Kovac Senior Care and Tenderly Hospice for the kindness and support. Joyce is survived by her daughters, Judi (Dennis) Wolf, Jan (Michael) Nuttelman, Joy (Michael) Shaddock, all of Portland, and Jeri (Todd) Gentry of Gresham; her brother, Gary Weber of Ridgefield, Wash.; and her sister, Diana Rasmussen of Puyallup, Wash. Joyce’s legacy includes nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, who fondly know her as Nana or Nana-Great. An informal graveside service is planned for 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 1, at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mt. Scott Blvd., Portland, Ore. 97086. All are welcome.