Barbara L. Hanson

Barbara L. Hanson (Douglas), age 77, resident of Gardner, MA, passed away on December 17, 2023.

Barbara was born on November 6, 1946 in Cambridge, MA, to the late Theodore and Lillian (Williams) Douglas. She was one of ten children and grew up in a busy household, where her love of family started.  

She loved the Supremes and spent hours listening to records.  Barbara built her career at the Harvard Business School, Raster Technologies, and American Science & Engineering.

Barbara was a two-time state champion horseshoe pitcher and was inducted into the MA hall of fame.  She was an avid bowler, cb radio operator (her handle - white dove), and water aerobics participant.  She regularly wrote poems and had a monthly mailing that went out to friends and family.  Barbara was proud to have had her poetry published by a veteran’s organization that handles service dogs.  Barbara was well known for her love of tie-dye, which was often seen in her outfit choices. 

Barbara is predeceased by her husband of 48 years, James Hanson Sr., as well as her nine siblings (Lorraine, Sonny, Patricia, Andy, Angeline, Linda, Bobby, Jacqueline and Lora). She is survived by her son James Hanson Jr. and his wife Christine Hanson, grandchildren Jacob Hanson and Rebecca Hanson.  

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Barbara for a period of visitation on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St, Gardner, MA 01440, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm. 

A funeral service will take place on Friday, December 22, 2023 also at the funeral home, at 10:00am. Burial will follow at the Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, 185 Lake St, Peabody, MA 01960.

Arrangements under the care of Mack Family Funeral Home.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, Funeral Directors.