Obituary of Karen Edith Hanson

"To Know Her is to Love Her..."

Karen Edith Hanson passed away in the comfort of her home with loving family by her side on Thursday, August 18, 2022. She had shared 78 years of unconditional love, infectious laughter, and priceless memories with family and friends.

Karen was born and raised in Bayonne to the late Raymond and Edith Meyer. As a child, Karen and her family relocated to West Orange. She graduated from West Orange High School in 1962 where she met her best friend and soulmate, Robert Hanson. They were married in 1964 and settled into the Rock Ridge Lake section of Denville to raise a family of their own. Karen was a hard-working and dedicated caregiver, always attentive to the needs of her family, friends, and patients, as a Recreational Therapist for Morris View Health Care Center and St. Francis Residential Community in Denville. She was an amazing cook and opened her home welcoming everyone, offering awesome home cooked meals. Her 30+ years battle with Parkinson’s is testament to her continual strength and willpower. She will be sorely missed and forever treasured in our hearts and memories. Although we are deeply saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her parents, and brother, Raymond.

She leaves only joyful memories to her beloved husband of 58 years, Robert; her loving children, Sheri (the late Bryan) Delp, Michael (Kathy) Hanson, and John Hanson; her cherished grandchildren, Robert “Bob” (Lauren) Hanson and Kelsey Hanson, and Matthew, Ryan, and Tyler Delp; and her precious great-grandchildren, Hadley and Kaisley; and many dear extended family and friends.

A private celebration of life for Karen will be held on Tuesday, August 23rd. Donations are being accepted in her memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research by way of www.inmemof.org. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of Karen here to continue to celebrate the incredible life she bestowed upon us.

Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow, but remember me in every tomorrow. 

Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles, I’ve only gone to rest a little while. 

Although my leaving causes pain and grief, my going has eased my hurt and given me relief. 

So dry your eyes and remember me, not as I am now, but as I used to be. 

Because I will remember you all and look on with a smile. 

Understand, in your hearts, I’ve only gone to rest a little while. 

As long as I have the love of each of you, I can live my life in the hearts of all of you.