HANSEN, Winifred Ivy Eileen Ursala Geddes

Winifred Ivy Eileen Ursala Geddes Hansen (1923-2003). Winifred was born December 4, 1923, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. She passed away on May 24, 2003. Winifred was a vibrant, lively, larger-than-life woman who played many roles during her life. Some of those roles included being an Australian "war-bride"; a professional Arthur Murray's dance instructor; a mother, homemaker, and crusader for holding elected public officials to task; raised in Catholic convent schools; editor of the "Backwoods Badger", Shaver Lake, CA; and finally, a spirit who burned bright and changed all who met her. Winifred was a lifetime member of the Washington Garden Club. Her heart was compassionate, intensely caring, committed and kind. A woman of incredible passion and zeal, her spirit sparkled with genuine humor and cheer. Winifred loved to laugh and tell stories of her life growing up in Australia in Kyogel, Casino and Sydney. She was an outrageous flirt who could make men's heart stop. She loved to dance and her favorite dances were the Rumba and Cha-Cha. She was first married to Dan Harrison and became a widow when he died at 46 due to a heart attack. She later married Earl Bennet Hansen, who for almost thirty years cared and loved her as no one else ever could. Winifred is survived by her husband Earl; daughter, Lucinda Harrison; son-in-law, Randell Smith; step-daughter, Jayne Anderson; and grand-daughter, Denise Anderson. The family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Desert Southwest Chapter, 1028 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85006. A memorial service celebrating her life was held at Sun Grove Resort Village, 10134 West Mohawk Lane, Peoria, AZ 85382, on Tuesday, June 10, 2003, at 10:00 AM. Published in The Arizona Republic on 6/11/2003.