HANSEN, Renee Marie (Susie)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ April 16, 2009 Renee Marie Mahan-Brady Hansen, 58, died Monday, April 6, 2009, at Mayo Hospital in Phoenix. "Susie" had recently had a kidney transplant donated by her loving husband, Darrell, but succumbed to pneumonia from an immune system too weak to fight against this final illness. The last eight months of her life were wonderful for her since she was no longer on dialysis and had more freedom of movement. She could also eat a larger selection of her favorite foods. She was happy to finally be able to eat a hot dog again. She made friends wherever she went. She owned Noah's Art Preschool in Pinetop, and although she had no children of her own, she considered all her students her own. She still kept in contact with some of them. She also had many friends among her dialysis buddies and did all she could to boost everyone's morale. She was a world traveler, having lived all over the United States and Indonesia during her childhood while her father worked for Irby Construction building power lines. She learned to speak Indonesian but never mastered her own native Navajo language. "We will miss her laughter, enthusiasm for life, her optimistic attitude and her love for her fellow man. She leaves behind her husband, Darrell; sister Dee (William J.) Brady of Show Low; brother John Michael Mahan of Lizard Lick, N.C.; in-laws Lyle and Sue Hansen of Albuquerque, N.M., nieces Shannon Brady of Show Low and their children; and her dog, Duke. A memorial service was held Thursday, April 16, at St. Rita's Catholic Church with a luncheon following at the LDS Cultural Hall at the Show Low Stake Center. Black's Mortuary handled arrangements.