The death of Gretchen Fawcett
Hanson occurred at Pine Grove Nursing Home in
Fredericton on April 30, 2014. Born in Durham Bridge, NB in 1911, she
was the daughter of Norman M Hanson and Ina V (Goddard) Hanson.A
graduate of the Provincial Normal School, Fredericton in 1929,
Gretchen taught elementary school in Minto and Middle Sackville before
her marriage to Carman Fawcett of Upper Sackville NB in 1937. In 1950,
she resumed teaching, progressing from Upper Sackville to Ogden Mill
and finally to Sackville NB covering a span of 29 years. After her
retirement in 1971, she taught night classes in a literacy program in
Fredericton for five years.
Gretchen was
widowed in 1963 and after her retirement she moved to Fredericton to
live with her daughter, Kathryn. In 1974 she re-married to Ralph
Hanson of Fredericton.
In the 1970’s,
Gretchen was active in projects of the Devon Seniors. She was an avid
bridge player and was a member of the committee that organized the
Central Branch of the New Brunswick Retired Teachers and served as its
first secretary. She was a woman of many interests and talents
including writing poetry and books, painting, genealogy, sewing,
decorating, cooking, gardening and appreciation of nature. She was
first and foremost a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and
sister.
Gretchen is survived by her daughter,
Kathryn (Eugene) Lewis of Fredericton, daughter-in-law, Judy (David)
Fawcett of Upper Sackville NB; eight grandchildren, Cheryl Fawcett
(James) Mosher of Sackville, Carol Fawcett (Andy) Hebert of Upper
Sackville, John (Kim) Fawcett of Dartmouth, Laura Fawcett (Ian)
Fletcher of Halifax, Catherine Fawcett of Upper Sackville, Susan Lewis
(Allen) Osborn of Oakdale, Connecticut, Kristine Lewis (Keith) Murch
of Mactaquac, and Michael Lewis of Fredericton; nine great
grandchildren, Matthew Mosher of Sackville, Elizabeth and Isabella
Hebert of Upper Sackville, Samuel and Isla Fletcher of Halifax, Jason,
Collin and Sarah Osborn of Oakdale, CT, and Pippa Murch of Mactaquac;
and many nieces and nephews.
Gretchen was
predeceased by her first husband, Carman Fawcett, second husband,
Ralph Hanson, and son, David Fawcett. She was also the last
surviving member of her family including brothers Ronald
(Margaret) Hanson of Saint John and Clifton (Edith) Hanson of
Marysville; sisters, Eileen (Irvine)Boone of Ashland, NB, Helen
(Donald) Harper of Middle Sackville NB, Corinne (Harry) Johnson of
Sackville, and Dorothy (Charles) Carlisle of Upper Sackville.
Gretchen will be resting at Jones Funeral Home,
Sackville, NB with visitation from 3-5 and 7-9 on Saturday, May 3. The
funeral will be held at the Upper Sackville United Church,
Sackville, NB on Sunday, May 4 at 3:30 PM with Rev. Paul
Thompson of Fredericton, officiating. Burial will take place after the
service at the Four Corners Cemetery in Upper Sackville, NB.
Donations to a charity of the donor’s
choice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences can be
made at www.mcadamsfh.com