HASKELL-HANSEN, Mary (Forbes) 1925-2017

HASKELL, HANSEN, FORBES

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/12/2018 at 12:36:00

Mary Haskell-Hansen

November 15, 1925 - September 5, 2017

Mary was born in Eureka, Kansas, to Jake & Carrie Forbes, as the last of six children. She graduated from Eureka High School in 1943 and then continued on to Emporia State Teachers College where she earned her teaching degree. After graduation she married Ralph Haskell in 1947 and taught for a year in Emporia before their daughter was born. After stints in Peoria, Illinois and Iowa City, Iowa Mary and Ralph moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa in 1954.

Mary was a stay at home mom until her daughter was ready for school. She then taught for a year in the Waterloo Public Schools and soon got a position at Cedar Heights Elementary School in Cedar Falls where she taught from 1955-1984. In 1972 Ralph died and Mary married William Hansen in 1979. After retiring Mary enjoyed her friends, traveling with Bill in their RV, photography and regular exercise.

Mary has been very supportive of the University of Northern Iowa Foundation. Through her donations to the UNI Foundation, The Mary Haskell-Hansen Elementary Art Education Scholarship and The Mary Haskell-Hansen Permanent Collection Endowment Fund were established.

Mary was a founding member of the Cedar Falls Human Rights Commission, as well as a member of The American Association of University Women, Iowa Retired School Personal Association, UNI Connection, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the National Democratic Party and the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC.) She also was a contributor to several animal protection groups as well as public radio and television.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Anne Haskell and son-in-law, Fred Brockman of Belle Glade, FL; her grandson, Jamál Currie of Milwaukee, WI; great granddaughter, Kahli Fernandez as well as great, great grandchildren Gabriel Benjamin & Gabrielle Fernandez of Gainesville, FL; grandson, Jordan Harvell of Kankakee, IL; good friend Barb Dowd of Cedar Falls, IA and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Jeanette and Hazel; brothers Stanley, Fritz and Philip; husbands Ralph Haskell and Bill Hansen; nieces and granddaughter, Táhirih Currie.
Memorial service will be held on September 30, 2017 at 10:00 AM at the UNI Kamerick Art Building room 113 at 1601 W 27th St. Parking is available behind the Communication Arts Center in the Latham Parking Lot. In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made in her name to the NAACP, ACLU or SPLC.

SOURCE: Richardson funeral home website