Pat Hanson, 66, of Bozeman was taken too soon from her family and friends on Monday, Nov. 4, 2013, after a courageous battle with a blood disorder. She will be dearly missed by many.

Pat was born on Oct.10, 1947, in Anaconda to Bill and Marge Froehlich. Pat grew up primarily in the Helena area and attended Helena schools. She had two sisters and had fond memories of her youth spending time on their family’s boat at various lakes, where they enjoyed water skiing. Pat graduated from Helena High School in 1965 and then attended Western Montana College.

She married Earl W. Hanson, also of Helena, in 1972 and they lived and worked in Colorado and Utah before moving back to Bozeman in 1977, where they built their own home together with her father, a builder. Pat had worked various jobs in Helena and Denver; then, after taking some years off to raise their two children, she began work at Montana State University and had recently retired from a long, happy career as advising coordinator for the College of Nursing. Pat and Earl had just recently celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary in May.

Pat was a wonderful wife, sister, mother, grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt and friend. She was a healthy, active and social person who placed tremendous value on her many close friendships. Pat was very proud of the loving family she brought together around the dinner table and home. She was an adventurous and excellent cook and loved holidays with family and dinner parties with friends. She was also very proud of her well-kept home. Pat was an amazing grandma to her daughter’s two children and had a very special bond with them.

Pat was truly passionate about the game of tennis. She loved to compete and spent three to four days a week playing doubles, in tournaments and with friends. She also was a fan and supporter of Bobcat tennis. Pat loved being outdoors, camping trips or hikes with family, cross-country skiing and even yard work or tending to her potted garden and beautiful flowers. She enjoyed and took an active role in her kids’ activities and never missed an event. She was a big influence on the whole family playing tennis and living healthy lifestyles. Pat also enjoyed music and kept season tickets to the Bozeman Symphony, which she regularly attended with her sister-in-law, Deanna. Pat loved to travel with family and friends, especially to warm places like Hawaii and Arizona, where tennis was regularly enjoyed. She had fond memories of time in Europe with her son and her sister, Marijeanne. Pat contributed to the church, many charities and was proud of her recent work as a Red Cross volunteer.

Surviving are her sister, Marijeanne Connolly; husband, Earl; son, Kyle, and his wife, Ali (Ryan); daughter, Tricia, and her husband, Matthew Wagner; and Pat’s two grandchildren, Preston, 3, and Lucy, 2. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Deanna Hanson; former brother-in-law, Dennis Sheline; nieces, Kathleen Connolly and Julie Connolly; and nephew, Tom Connolly.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Bill and Marge Froehlich; and sister, Barb Sheline.

Funeral Mass will be held at Resurrection Parish on Friday, Nov. 15, at 10:30 a.m. A reception will immediately follow. Interment at Sunset Hills Cemetery will take place with immediate family at a later time.

Donations in memory of Pat can be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service.

Helena Independent Record, November 10, 2013