Mary Ann Hanson

Mary Ann Hanson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 9, 2024 at the age of 87 in Stanley, North Carolina.

Born Mary Ann Anderson on November 5, 1936, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  She was the daughter of Mynard Joseph Anderson and Martha Novotny Anderson.

Mary Ann married James Bartholomew Hanson on December 4, 1954.  They met in Milwaukee while James was in the Navy training at Great Lakes Naval base.

They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary at the home of their daughter in Charlotte, NC in December 2019.

Mary Ann and James welcomed four children into their lives, James L. (Irish), Barbara H. Kovalev, Bonita L. McCracken (Robert), and John A.  Mary Ann's greatest joy was her family and she was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Mary Ann lived in various places throughout her life, including Milwaukee, WI, Princess Anne, Virginia, Greensburg, PA, Wytheville, VA before moving to Mount Holly, NC.  She volunteered at St. Mary Catholic Church in Wytheville.  She delivered communion to the sick and organized funeral receptions for many years.  Mary Ann also enjoyed needle point and made birth announcements for all of the grandchildren.  She loved to cook and bake.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, husband James, her grandchild Laura Smith, and daughter-in-law Pam Hanson.

She is survived by her four children, 7 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren who will forever cherish her memory.

Viewing will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Benson Funeral & Cremation Services in Mount Holly, NC.  A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church at 503 North Main Street, Belmont, NC 28012.  Interment following at Gaston Memorial Park and funeral reception lunch will be held at the church.

Mary Ann will be remembered for her kindness and the joy she brought into the lives of those around her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to LIFESPAN Services, 1511 Shopton Rd. Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28217 or at www.lifespanservices.org.