Marjorie Leona Hansen passed away at her home in Westwood on March 26, 2014, one month before her 98th birthday. She had a long life and was an inspiration to all who knew her because of her intelligence, grace and strength of character.
Miss Hansen was the daughter of Edward and Ida Hansen and was born in Chicago. The Hansen family moved to California in 1937. Upon moving to California Miss Hansen attended UCLA where she obtained both Bachelors and Masters Degrees.
After graduation Miss Hansen taught at Redondo Beach for one year before being chosen to become a demonstration teacher for UCLA at the Fairburn Laboratory School. In this position, her class was visited by students, teachers, principals and Superintendents from both the United States and other countries in order to view the latest educational methods and innovations.
Miss Hansen later took the examination to become a principal and placed third out of 600 who took the test. She was the top female principal candidate.
In 1957 she became the principal of Palisades Elementary School. She was there for 17 years and dearly loved the school and the community.
After her retirement in 1981 Miss Hansen travelled extensively in the United States, Europe and Asia. She also volunteered as a docent at the Will Rogers Ranch. She was also a longtime member of Pi Lambda Theta, Educational Honorary Society.
As all who knew her will remember, one of her favorite hobbies was cooking and entertaining. She was known as a gracious and innovative hostess and chef.
Miss Hanson is survived by her second cousin, William McGraw (Darby) and their daughters Cate Simms (Tyler) and Sarah McGraw (Major Michael Lynch).
In the last few years she also happily welcomed the next generation of cousins, Will, Anna and Theo Simms; and Darby and Boden Lynch.
Besides family, Miss Hansen leaves many friends, former colleagues and students who remember her fondly.
A Memorial Service for Miss Hansen will take place on April 26, 2014, her 98th birthday, at 10 a.m. at the Brentwood Presbyterian Church, 12000 San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles.
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