Gail Irene Hanson

Gail Irene Hanson was born into this world on November 14, 1946, the middle child of Harvey and Irene Hanson. Gail graduated from Paw Paw High School in 1963 at age 16, Kalamazoo College at age 20, and law school at age 23.

She married her husband Frank Hanson on August 5, 1967. They attended law school together where Gail won many awards for academic excellence. At age 23, Gail passed the Michigan Bar Exam and moved to South Haven to begin her career as an attorney. Gail had the good fortune to be partnered with Harold Neal and David Grier. By their example, Gail learned the highest standard of professional excellence, ethical and moral values, and the care and compassion that served her clients for 42 years.

During the years when she raised her two children, she served as a scout leader, Sunday school teacher, and a founding member of the middle school science fair. She continued to work full time throughout these busy years all while being a loving and supportive wife. She beat cancer 16 years ago after surgery and radiation. When she learned that cancer had returned and spread throughout her body in October, 2012, she expressed gratitude and blessings for the past 16 years. Her family, friends, and clients were, and always will be blessed to have known her. She has moved on, but this world and the next will be better because of her. In her last days and knowing the end was near, Gail wrote memoires to each of the three men in her life each titled, “It’s been a wonderful life.” You will be greatly missed good wife, good mother, and good friend. Life for us left behind will never be quite as bright but we will persevere as you would want, but look forward to our reunion in a life ever after.

Surviving are her husband – Frank, sons – Franklin “Jay” (Tracy) Hanson Jr. of South Haven and Christopher Hanson of Tampa, Florida; granddaughter – Madelyn Irene Hanson of South Haven; sisters – Joan (David) Kraklau of St. Joseph, Barbara (William) Meek of Naples, Florida; brother-in-law – James (Rachel) Sankofski; Sister-in-law – Jane (Aaron) Strebeck of South Haven; Special relatives – Bill and Margaret Torp, caregiver extraordinaire – Beth Verity, Joanne, the Kathys, Dot, Marilyn, Janet, Rita, Martha, several nieces and nephews, along with several hundred well wishers as evidenced by the cards and flowers she received over the past few months.

A celebration of life will be held Monday, March 25 at 11:00 A.M. at the First Congregational Church where family will celebrate a life well lived. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Gail’s memory to the West Michigan Cancer Center of Kalamazoo - Attn: Development, 200 North Park Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 49007 or the South Haven Historical Association - 355 Hubbard Street, PO Box 552 South Haven, MI 49090.