Louise E. Hanson

MONTPELIER — Louise Elizabeth Hanson, 97, formerly of Lovers Lane, West Berlin and more recently of Heaton Woods, died Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012, at her home.

She was born at Heaton Hospital Aug. 1, 1915, the daughter of Andrew Jackson Lyons and Mary Agnes (Normandin) Lyons. Louise attended St. Michael’s Grade School and graduated from St. Michael’s High School, in the class of 1933.

Louise first worked at the former Chicks Market in Montpelier. She later joined the American Telephone & Telegraph Co. located in Montpelier and worked as an operator from 1937 until her retirement in 1978.

Louise married Andrew W. Hanson on Oct. 3, 1939, at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Mr. Hanson predeceased her March 5, 1995.

She was a lifelong member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, a member of the former St. Vincent dePaul Society, Vermont Council of Telephone Pioneers, the Montpelier Cribbage League and played on the Early Bird Senior League bowling team at Twin City Lanes.

Louise is survived by three daughters, Susan Smaldino, of Las Vegas, Linda Downing, of Springfield, Penelope McCrea, of Manitou Springs, Colo.; two sons, William Hanson and his wife, Marilyn, of Tucson, Ariz., and Peter Hanson and his wife, Theresa, of Berlin. Known to her grandchildren as “Grandma Weezie,” she is survived by 19 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Louise is also survived by two brothers, Donald Lyons, of Montpelier, and Richard Lyons, of Wagoner, Okla.; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by three sisters, Hazel Pecue, Sister Margaret Mary Lyons and Sister Dorothy Lyons; five brothers, Robert, Wilfred “Bill,” Andrew, Maurice and Heaton “Pete” Lyons.

A funeral Mass will be offered Saturday, Aug. 11, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Burial will follow the Mass at Berlin Corners Cemetery.

Calling hours will be held Friday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at Guare & Sons Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Heaton Woods, c/o Peggy Rocque, 10 Heaton St., Montpelier, VT 05602 or to St. Augustine Catholic Church, c/o Rev. Michael Augustinowitz, 16 Barre St., Montpelier, VT 05602.

Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at www.guareandsons.com and go to Louise’s obituary.