Constance Susan Hanson

Constance Susan Smith Hanson passed away on October 11, 2023 in Aurora, CO at the age of 76. She is survived by her two sons Ryan and Justin, sister Becky (Mick) Anderson, two brothers Doug Smith and Russ Smith, daughter-in-law Kerry, and two granddaughters Keira and Tegan. Constance's memory will be cherished by those who knew and loved her.

Connie was born in Jamestown, ND to Quentin Smith and Patricia Clark, and was the oldest of six children in the family. Connie attended St. Benedict's Academy for two years, then transferred to Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD after the family had relocated from Jamestown. There she finished with a teaching degree and met Ron Hanson. They married in 1970 and moved to Ipswich, SD, where she became a high school english teacher.

Seeking new opportunities and following the job market, Ron and Connie moved to Irving, TX, where their oldest son Ryan was born in 1974. Later, again following the job market the young family moved to Lubbock, TX where Justin was later born in 1978.

Fueled by the lyrics of John Denver, Connie developed a deep connection in her heart and soul to Colorado. Ron found work in Colorado and the family moved again. They started in Ft. Collins, and a year later settled in Aurora, CO. Ron and Connie divorced in 1987 but remain honorable and respectful of each other, working hard to provide life, education, and opportunity to their two sons.

The house in Aurora, CO would be her home for 37 years. There she raised her two boys and worked hard to keep the house together. Over the years she had her beloved Golden Retrievers Molly, Sam, and Smitty, and later would dog-sit for Ryan's Siberian Husky Guinness. All of the dogs loved to run wild and free in her large backyard.

In 2011 she was able to fulfill one of her lifelong dreams, seeing Ireland with her son Justin, brother Russ and sister-in-law Rhonda. She was always proud of her Irish ancestry which had connections to the Catholic Church in Jamestown, ND.

In August of 2018 Connie suffered a stroke. While everyone was hopeful she would recover, she was no longer able to care for herself. She moved into Summit Rehabilitation and Care Community in Aurora, where she made a long fight to recover from the effects of the stroke. However, on October 11, 2023 the fight came to an end and she passed away peacefully in her sleep. Both Ryan and Justin were with her during her last few days. She was loved and very well cared for by the staff at Summit.

Connie was an avid reader, passionate debater, seeker of wisdom, and held respect for a broad pantheon of spiritual and religious ideas. She loved to discuss with anyone willing to spend a few hours with her, often with music from Windham Hill playing in the background. She loved art, poetry, and made many watercolor works of art during her retirement. She also loved baking cinnamon rolls, treats for the holidays, and would be thrilled to know that her grand-daughter Keira has her (and Great Grandma Pat's) recipe box and has begun carrying on the tradition.

She will be missed, and both sons are eternally grateful for the life she built, the opportunities she provided, as well as the sacrifices she made.

There will be a celebration of life held at 5:00pm on Saturday, October 28.

Newcomer - East Metro Chapel
190 Potomac Street
Aurora, CO 80011
720-857-0700.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that people consider making a donation to the Summit Rehabilitation and Care Community, where she spent her final years in good care.

Summit Rehabilitation and Care Community
500 Geneva St.
Aurora, CO 80010