HANSON, Madelyn (Mandy)

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ May 6, 2009, p. A12 Madelyn “Maddy” Mary Hanson (Piotraschke), age 84, passed away on April 18. She was born Nov. 1, 1924. The final page of a beautiful book was read on the morning of April 18. Mom passed away peacefully in her sleep and left this world for paradise. This mother and friend was truly a blessed woman who loved God, family and friends. With a positive and loving attitude, Maddy had persevered many obstacles throughout her life story. She was a woman of strength and full of faith. She was admired for her common sense, fairness, and ability to love everyone. A humble woman full of love, kindness, and joy, she touched hearts everywhere. Maddy was born in St. Paul, Minn., daughter of Ferdinand and Cecelia Piotraschke. She worked as a bookkeeper until she retired. She resided in Arizona at the time of her death. She was preceded in death by her loving partner and friend of 24 years Jim Hitchcock, her sisters and brothers Kenneth Piotraschke, Lorraine DeMatteo, and Teresa Brett. Maddy is survived by her eight children, 17 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren: children Timothy (Susan) Hanson of California, Jolene Elias of Utah, Cheryl (Tim) Klemmetsen of Minnesota, Thomas Hanson of Minnesota, Lenette (Don) Brown of California, Heide Hanson (Steve) Morris of Minnesota, Richard (Jennifer) Hanson of California, Trina Hanson of Utah; grandchildren Kristen, Brandy, Kyle, Joe, Tim, Nicholas, Nick, Jessica, Jeremiah, Michael, Carissa, Zachary, Chance, Alicia, Ben, Kenneth, and Justin; great-grandchildren Gracie, Lilli, Davin, Desiree, Dayja, and Draden. A memorial and celebration of her life is planned for Saturday (May 9) at 2 p.m. at West Park Club House, 2501 W. Wickenburg Way. People are asked to bring a written memoir or story to share with the family and place in the card box at the service. All donations will be given in Mom’s memory to the Yarnell Community Presbyterian Church she attended in Yarnell, Ariz.