Irene (Norem) DRAZICH HANSEN

DRAZICH, HANSEN, NOREM, LEE, JOHNSON, MCLAUGHLIN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 1/31/2010 at 11:44:31

Irene (Drazich) Hansen, 91, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning Jan. 27, 2010. Having decided in recent years that she wasn't required to arise early any longer, it is appropriate that she slipped into eternal rest just as the sun was rising in the east. Irene was born in Clarion, Iowa, to Hilma (Lee) and Chris Norem, a young Lutheran minister. The Flu epidemic took Chris to heaven in December of that year, and eight-month-old Irene and her mother returned to live with maternal grandparents on a farm in Moorhead, Iowa. Nearly 18 years later, Irene's mother married a widowed farmer, Martin Johnson, and Irene was blessed with a loving father, four brothers and two sisters. Their connection remained close through all the years of their lifetimes. Upon graduation from Moorhead High School, Irene began her working career in Onawa, Iowa, where she met a handsome young farmer/insurance agent named Dale Hansen. Their courtship culminated in marriage on June 19, 1941. Along with Dale, Irene happily embraced her loving parents-in-law and added Dale's five sisters to her sibling count. On October 20, 1942, a daughter, Janet, was born. As with many young men of the time, Dale enlisted in the U.S. Army/Air Force determined to be a pilot - a goal he proudly achieved. Dale's wings were presented to Irene shortly after his death in a tragic plane crash on November 22, 1943, in Coffeyville, Kan. Irene and 13-month-old Janet returned to Onawa, where they lived until 1952, when they moved to Lakewood, Colo. Over the years in Iowa and Colorado, Irene held several positions in the banking industry, including head teller at a savings and loan, where she faced a man with a gun one August day. Irene weathered this frightening event only to find herself facing this same man and gun again in October. During this traumatic time, Irene's pretty face and sweet charm attracted the attention of a big burly Sheriff's Officer assigned to investigate and protect. On May 1, 1957, Big George Drazich and petite Irene Hansen were united in marriage. Their union continued until George's death in 1989. In 1994, Irene moved to Leisure Village in Camarillo, Calif., where she enjoyed nine years of close companionship with three of Dale's sisters and many friends in her neighborhood and church community. September 2003 brought Irene to San Luis Obispo where she lived at The Villages and formed several treasured friendships among her fellow residents. In January 2006, Irene moved to Wyndham Residence to be closer to Janet and her husband in Arroyo Grande. These last four years at Wyndham again brought Irene a circle of friendship with other residents and an endearing family of caregivers in the Wyndham staff. Through the years, Irene enjoyed crafts such as copper tooling and needlework of various types. She loved to play cards (Pitch and Bouree were favorites) and games (Bingo, UNO, and Wii video bowling), enjoyed traveling (including cruises to Alaska and Scandinavia with Janet and husband), cooking meals for family and friends, winning at casino slot machines, and puppy dogs always brought a smile to her lips and a twinkle to her eyes. Irene loved being included in Janet and Dave's life and always treasured her connection with their friends from near and far as their friends did the time they spent with her. During her years in San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande, Irene felt blessed with the care and support of excellent doctors - Drs. Doria, Vendegna, Breedlove, Mercardante and most of all, Dr. Gayle Cekada, who always had a warm smile and time to listen to Irene's needs and concerns. Irene and family wish to thank everyone who made her life here on the Central Coast the best it could be, especially the management and staff at Wyndham Residence, who showered her with love and attended to her every need. A special thanks to Hospice Partners of the Central Coast for their care during the last month of Irene's life.

Irene's loving presence in this life will be forever missed by her much loved and very loving daughter, Janet (Dave) McLaughlin of Arroyo Grande; sisters by marriage Ila, Ano, Lillian, Grace and Clara; three sisters-in-law Audrey, Jo and Ione; her "other daughter" Diane (Janet's childhood friend); and her "girls" Elda, Ruth, Sue and Patty. Irene's ever-present smile and gentle wit will be remembered by all, including nieces, nephews, cousins and a multitude of friends who treasure memories of special moments with sweet Irene. A private gathering for family and friends is planned to remember and reflect on the essence of Irene''s being. Her ashes will be interred next to her husband, Dale, in the Onawa Cemetery on a warm and sunny day in the Spring. Donations may be made in her memory to a charity close to your heart, Hospice Partners of the Central Coast, or to any charitable organization that supports animals or children. You may also make donations honoring the memory of Irene and Dale to the Onawa Veteran's Museum, P.O. Box 418, Onawa, IA 51040.

San Luis Obispo Tribune, CA
January 31, 2010