Joyce Hansen

On Saturday May 14, 2022, Joyce Hansen, loving wife and mother, passed away peacefully at the age of 86 surrounded by her family.

Joyce was born on April 17, 1936 in Brooklyn, New York to John and Hildegarde Tanno. She traveled the country throughout her childhood and always exceled in school. She graduated as valedictorian from Stanford University in 1958 also completing 2 years of medical school there before meeting and marrying her husband, Peter Hansen on June 27, 1959, in Pleasanton California. They raised five children together Chris (Katie), Jill (Mike), Thor (Jenn), Alex (Varci) and Liz (Peter).

Joyce had an extraordinary mind, forever curious about all she encountered. Being a mom is where her brilliance truly flourished. She insisted on 100% effort in school but most importantly, she cared that learning was actually taking place. Sitting in her lap, listening to her read stories felt to us like the safest place on earth. Her strength of mind also helped her to achieve a 100-pound weight loss at one point in her life. In the end, she was embraced with love and her beloved classical music escorting her to a reunion in the sky.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother Jack. She is survived by her five children, thirteen grandchildren, four great grandchildren and two nieces.

The family will hold a private celebration of her life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Bay Area Music Project https://www.bayareamusicproject.org/

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