Geraldine Elaine Hanson was born in Detroit, MI, on January 11, 1934, to Claude and Elaine Haskins. She lived with her parents and her brother Bob, who was one year younger, in Farmington, Michigan until she was married.

Gerrie graduated from Farmington High School in June of 1952. Five months after graduation, on November 26th, she was married to Bill Hanson . Bill and Gerrie had two children, Elaine Frances and William Carl. Bill and Gerrie and their children lived in Livonia and Farmington and also spent several years as owners of the Whispering Pines Motel in Calumet, Michigan.

Besides her roles as wife and mother, Gerrie worked several part-time jobs and had many other interests in her life. She loved flowers and gardening. She loved collecting things that brought smiles to everyone, like her Beanie Babies and her flopping little sun catchers. Gerrie also preserved and organized memories to leave for her family. She had a warm, caring and bubbly personality. She loved people, and people were drawn to her by her sweet disposition and the love she so generously shared with others. She was a member of the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church where she and her husband Bill worshipped with their children and where they shared lifelong friendships with their Christian friends.

Following Bill's retirement, Bill and Gerrie moved to a condominium in Wixom, Michigan. They lived there until April of 2015 when they moved to the Oakmont Retirement Community in Livonia Michigan. While there, Gerrie lovingly cared for her husband Bill until his death on August 15, 2015. Just 6 months after Bill's death, Gerrie was diagnosed with lung cancer. Following her diagnosis, many family members and friends, along with the Balance Care staff at Oakmont and Heart-to-Heart Hospice, provided loving care, comfort, support and assistance to Gerrie until her death on April 9, 2016.

Gerrie prayed to God for strength to care for Bill during his declining years and, after his death, she prayed that she could soon join him in Heaven. When she was diagnosed with lung cancer, she once again prayed to God for strength to go through her own decline. Those who knew and were close to Gerrie could see that God indeed gave her abundant strength and determination to go through both of these trials and granted her wish to quickly join Bill in Heaven.

Gerrie was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her daughter Elaine, her granddaughter Devon, her brother Bob and her parents. Gerrie is survived by her son Bill, 13 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Funeral service Tuesday 11:00 a.m. April 12th at
Old Apostolic Lutheran Church,
34100 W. 8 Mile Road, Farmington Hills.
Interment at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, MI.

Visitation Monday 3-8 p.m. at
Thayer-Rock Funeral Home,
33603 Grand River Ave., Downtown Farmington
(1 blk. W. of Farmington Rd.).