Obituary of Dorothy Marie Hanson

The Lord drew Dorothy Marie Hanson, 87, to Heaven on Friday, October 3, 2008. A native of Albia, IA, she had been a resident at the Solon Nursing Care Center in Solon, IA, and was also gently cared for by the Iowa City Hospice in her final days. Dorothy was born to John and Gladys Goode on April 6, 1921, in Blakesburg, IA. She was the second of 5 children. Dorothy married William Sturdevant while studying at Drake University, where she earned a M.S. in English. They had two children, Kristin and Mark, and lived in different areas of the country, including San Diego, CA. She married John Hanson in the early 1970’s, and they settled in Wynnewood, PA, later moving to Albia, and subsequently Iowa City. Together, they often traveled to John’s native England and mainland Europe. Dorothy was a junior high English teacher, editor, calligrapher, and photographer. She won numerous ribbons for her photography of barns at state and county fairs. Her parents, three brothers, her beloved son, Mark Sturdevant, and cat precious cat, Katherine preceded her in passing. She is survived by her adoring family, husband, John Hanson, daughter, Dr. Kristin Sturdevant, and grandson, Gabriel Sturdevant. Though she is gone from us, we are sure she is watching over us. Memorial services honoring her life will be held 5 p.m. Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service of Iowa City. A gathering of family and friends will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. There will also be a memorial service at The First Christian Church in Albia, IA on Thursday, October 9 at 2 pm. Memorial donations can be made in her memory to Iowa City Hospice at 1025 Wade St, Iowa City, IA 52240, the Solon Nursing Care Center 523 S. 5th St. Solon, IA 52333, or the Wendell Johnson Speech and Hearing Clinic of the University of Iowa. Condolences may be sent to Dorothy's family through the web at www.gayandciha.com.