Mary Ellen Hanson, age 71, of Gresham, passed away on Tuesday, March 03, 2020. Mary was born on September 24, 1948, in Oconto, to the late Alvin and Violet (Peterson) Berns. On August 4, 1973, Mary was united in marriage to Chester Hanson Jr. He preceded her in death on November 11, 1991. She attended the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Education. She went on to become a third grade Teacher for many years in the Gresham School District. Mary lived in Gresham for over 40 years. Upon retirement she was a volunteer and was a member of the Red Hatters. Mary enjoyed traveling with her family and friends and visiting her trailer in Conover over the summer. She was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers. Mary also enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, and going to the casino. She loved her family dearly and will be missed by all.

Mary is survived by her siblings, Gary (Ellen) Berns of Green Bay, Sue (Jerry) Nowicki of Omro, and Jim (Peggy) Berns, and her companion, Peter Bowman. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

A funeral service will be held for Mary at 11:00 am on Monday, March 9, 2020 at St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church in Gresham with Fr. Joel Jores officiating. Burial will be in St. Francis Solanus Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday at the church from 9:30 am until the time of service.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Courtyard at Bellevue and the Peter Bowman family.