Mary Ann Hanson

Mary Ann Hanson (Kaufman), age 93 of Appleton, WI passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 9, 2025. She was born on November 30, 1931 in Appleton, Wisconsin to the late Philip and Cecelia Kaufman. After graduating from St. Mary Catholic High School, Mary worked at many places, both paid and volunteer, including the Appleton Pharmacy, St. Mary’s Office, and being a full-time mom to her three kids. Mary Ann married Harold R. Hanson on January 11, 1958 and they celebrated 60 years of marriage in 2018 prior to Harold’s passing in August of that year. She was a loving wife and wonderful mother to their three children, and she dearly loved her five grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Mary was a proudly devout woman who held strong to her faith. She had a deep love for the Lord and knew that love was returned tenfold. You could often find Mary knitting baby sweaters, and she was especially proud of the hats she knit for the area NICU babies. When Mary was young, she loved baseball and made many trips down to Milwaukee with her friends to watch the Braves play. She would often vacation with Harold and others to their family cottage in Sturgeon Bay, where she enjoyed the company and fellowship of her family and friends. More than anything, though, Mary loved her family and cherished spending time with them, especially in her later years. She will be fondly remembered for her smile and sense of humor, and her legacy will live on through the love she shared.

Mary is survived by her children, Paula (Gerald) Sosalla, Michael Hanson, and Katherine (Larry) Brown; her grandchildren, Taylor (Reece) Harris, Derek Brown (Emily Karch), Greta Brown (fiancé Zach Rabas), Andrew Hanson, and Stacey Hanson; and her great-grandson, Harrison Hanson. Mary is further survived by her sister, Dolores Otto; her sister-in-law, Audrey Elkins; her brother-in-law, Norman Hanson; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; her brothers-in-law, William Otto, Wallace Hanson, Rev. Wesley Hanson, George Elkins and John Seifert; sisters-in-law, Martha Sue Hanson, Gloria Hanson, Phyllis Seifert, Margaret Hanson and Audrey Hanson; nephews, Greg Hanson, Todd Hanson, Timothy Hanson, Thomas Hanson, and Paul Hanson; and niece, Cindy Hanson.

A memorial visitation will be held for Mary from 9-11 AM on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 312 S. State St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 AM. Mary will be laid to rest with her husband, Harold at St. Mary Cemetery in Appleton, WI. Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary Parish, Appleton.