Lois E. Hansen

Lois Elaine Hansen passed away Tuesday, June 3, 2014, after valiant struggle to recover from recent surgery. Born April 2, 1940 in Cleveland, Ohio to Lt. Col. Charles (Howard) and Catherine Cowdrey…she likened herself a "military brat", happily recalling base life in Italy, Germany and the United States. While her family was posted at Ford Ord, Lois met Ken Hansen at Monterey High School. After graduation, Ken enlisted with the army and Lois joined him in New Mexico to be wed on October 31, 1958 (this year would have been 56 years of marriage). They returned to Monterey, where they raised their two children. Professionally, Lois became an underwriter while working for American National Insurance (23 yrs) and AAA (10 yrs), before eagerly becoming a retiree. An accomplished knitter and happy gardener, Lois gained the most joy from spoiling her three grandchildren. She was devoted to attending as many of their sporting and special events that she could. Lois leaves, too soon, her husband, Ken Hansen; children, Mark Hansen (Hellena) and Cara Cohen; brothers, Donald Cowdrey (Mary Paul) and Robert Cowdrey (Karen); and grandchildren, Nate, Rachael and Jake Cohen; as well as many nieces and nephews. Bereaved family includes Jerrold and Nikki Simon, along with great-granddaughter, Sophia. The family is grateful for the support from friends and family. They extend a special thank-you to the ICU staff at CHOMP who tried so hard to make comfortable her last three weeks there, especially her band of "bandits"—you know who you are! In lieu of flowers, contribute to your favorite charity or organization. Services will be private, handled by Mission Mortuary (missionmortuary.com). Lois loved hummingbirds and we will be reminded of her whenever a jeweled delicacy darts by, keeping us aware of life's brevity, beauty and joy.