Retired English professor, Pat Hansen, dies
Patricia Kennedy Hansen
02/21/1931 – 01/11/2013
Patricia Kennedy Hansen, 81, of Fargo, ND, died peacefully on Friday, January 11, 2013 at Bethany Retirement Living, Fargo.
Patricia Jean Kennedy was born February 21, 1931 in Fargo, ND to William U. and Annie Blanche (Moore) Kennedy (both deceased). She attended Horace Mann grade school, Ben Franklin Junior High, and graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1948. During WWII, her family lived in Seattle, WA. In 1951, she married Kenneth E. Heine. In 1956, she married Magnus C. Geston of Fargo. In 1974 she married Lt.Col. Robert A. Hansen, whom she regarded as the love of her life.
She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from NDSU in 1955 and a Master of Arts in English in 1962. In college, she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority, Edwin Booth Dramatic Society and Mortarboard Honor Society. She was president of the Panhellenic Council and served on the NDSU Student Council.
She was a professor of English for 28 years at both at NDSU and MSU. She taught Literature and Film Studies and served for three years as Chairman of the MSU English Department. She served as president of the Gamma Phi Beta Alumni Chapter from 1956-1957 and the American Association of University Women from 1966-1968. While on sabbatical, she attended the University of London, Oxford University, UCLA and the American Film Institute.
Her love of travel took her to Europe, Mexico, the Mediterranean and throughout the US. She passed her enduring interest in art, music and literature on to her children, grandchildren and students. She deeply cherished her many friendships and the community of Fargo.
Patricia was very active in the Fargo arts community. She was an affiliate of the Fine Arts Club holding membership in both Drama and History sections. She also supported the FM Opera Company, the FM Symphony, Plains and Rourke Art Galleries and The Straw Hat Players.
A member of Gethsemane Episcopal Cathedral, she served on the Pipe Organ Committee and enjoyed participating in the reading group and other church activities. She was very proud of the beautiful stained-glass window that she donated to the church.
Patricia is survived by her daughter, Susan (Jeff) Bridges, Santa Barbara CA; her son, William K. (Connie) Geston, Santa Barbara CA; four granddaughters, Jamey Geston, Isabelle (Brandon) Boesch, Jessica Bridges, Hayley Bridges and her great-granddaughter, Grace Boesch; three step-daughters, Barbara (Greg) Higgins, Portland OR, Reda (Jeff) Chambers, Chandler AZ, and Laura (George) Bird, Ypsilanti MI. She is also survived by her dearest cousins, Marlo Ann Gade and grandson Joey of Grand Forks. Patricia’s family appreciates the loving and compassionate care given by her extraordinary friend, Lanette Krinsky.
Donations may be made to Gethsemane Cathedral or community arts programs.
Memorial Service: Wednesday, January 16th, 2pm at Gethsemane Cathedral, Fargo.
http://www.inforum.com/event/obituary/id/386272/