Viola Marilyn Hansen

Nov. 1, 1932 – Dec. 9. 2018

Viola Marilyn Hansen, 86, died on Dec. 9, 2018.

She passed away quietly in her sleep, her family wrote. She was a lifelong resident of Alaska, born in Seldovia. Her mother, Martha, was born in Ninilchik Village, and her father, Torvald, immigrated to Alaska from Norway at the age of 14.

Viola was a welcoming hostess, always having plenty on the table for visiting friends. She was an excellent cook and baker and could make a feast out of whatever she had in her cupboard. She enhanced this bounty by being an avid fisherwoman, gardener, and berry picker.

She always had a full birdfeeder on her deck, enjoyed the variety of birds that visited, and even got to where she would be on the lookout for a tailless squirrel that she named Bob.

Viola enjoyed her home on the inlet bluff, blessed with views of all sorts of interesting marine animals and gorgeous sunsets. She was a beachcomber with an aptitude for finding agates and occasionally fossils.

She was preceded in death by sons Rodney and Scott.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, John Robert Hansen; children Torvald, Emma, Shelly, Lisa and Heidi; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many other members of her extended family.

A loving wife and mother, Viola created many special memories, like the “Mad Hatter Tea Parties” for her grandchildren. She was very proud of all of her children.

There will be a funeral Mass at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15 at the Ninilchik Fair Building, 16240 Sterling Highway, Mile 136.1, with a Celebration of Life at 3 p.m. with a Community Potluck.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the charity of your choice in Viola’s name.