Gail Doreen Hanson

Gail Doreen Hanson, 60, of Ellendale, formerly of Jamestown, ND died February 27, 2018 at Prince of Peace Care Center, Ellendale. Gail was born July 27, 1957 to Bernard and Floy Hanson in Williston, North Dakota. Gail spent her early childhood in foster care. At age 7, Gail was enrolled at the Crippled Children’s School in Jamestown, ND now known as the Anne Carlsen Center. There, Gail’s teachers recognized her talent in music and art. Barbara Boschert was a speech teacher and took Gail under her wing. Gail lived with Barbara for several years learning social skills and skills to become independent and self-sufficient. In the early 70’s Gail, reunited with her sister, Lori in Jamestown. This spurred future trips to Minneapolis where she was able to spend time with Lori and her family, her father, Bernie, stepmother, Paula, and her brother, Dale and his family. The tradition of Gail coming for Christmas continued for many years. Gail loved adventure and traveling. She made several trips to family reunions in Williston, North Dakota. Two special visits were for her Grandma Margaret’s 90th and 100th birthday celebrations. Other trips included visiting relatives in Norfolk, Virginia, visiting her Dad and Paula in Fort Myers, Florida, and even a trip to Disney World. It was always a wild ride! An important period of Gail’s life was her time at Alpha Opportunities. She lived independently with occasional staff visits, on her own in the Gardinette apartments in Jamestown. In 2003, it was determined that Gail needed more care and support and she resided at Sheyenne Care Center in Valley City, ND for several years. After a stay at the North Dakota State Hospital she was transferred to Prince of Peace Care Center. In Ellendale, ND in September 2015. Gail’s hobbies included playing music on piano, using her Kindle, iPad, and iPhone for listening to music, watching episodes of the Brady Bunch, The Three Stooges, Popeye and surfing the web. She was adept at working around parental controls to go shopping online. Her favorite group activities were Bingo, Happy Hour. Gail thrived at Prince of Peace Care Center in Ellendale, due to the caring staff and excellent quality of life. She made many friends with the other residents and She enjoyed and interacting with the staff. The family is very grateful for all the love and attention Gail received at Prince of Peace. Near the end of her life she got extra care and attention from the staff of Red River Hospice. Several family members were able to visit her around Christmas and feel blessed that the end of her life was filled with so much love and support. Gail’s survivors include: Sister: Lori (Gary) Zeman, Downers Grove, IL; Brother: Dale Hanson, Step Mother: Paula Freeman Hanson; Sister-In-Law: Teresita Hanson; Niece: Heather Hanson; Nephews: Leland and Evan Hanson Nieces: Angelina (Aryn) and Vanessa Hanson and their mother, Tess; Niece: Carmela Hanson; Cousin: Pam (Jack) White and multitudes of Hanson family member who gathered at Paradise Point. She was preceded in death by: Sister, Gwen (Baby Girl Hanson) Williston, ND; Mother, Floy Minneapolis MN; Father, Bernard Ft Myers FL; Grandma Margaret of Williston guardian angel for us all. "Gail brought light to our world and taught us compassion and perspective we may not have otherwise learned, and for that we are grateful, and she forever has our love." A memorial service will be 2pm Friday, March 9 at Prince of Peace Care Center, Ellendale with Pastor Gayle Leach and Pastor David Montiquello officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale.