Sandra “Sandy” Rae Hanson was born on November 10, 1935 in Stockton, California, and entered into final rest on March 10, 2015, after a year and a half battle with pancreatic cancer.

Sandra is survived by her loving husband, James C. Hanson, Sr. of  Turlock, CA, son, James C. Hanson, Jr. “Beaver” (Katherine), Turlock, California, daughter Cindy L. Morgan (Scot), Turlock, CA Mother, Lory Moore, Sister, Stephanie Brewer both of Lodi, California , and Grandchildren, Jessica Hanson (Matt Gmur) of Portland, OR, Christopher Hanson of Manteca, CA, Andy Morgan (Alicia Almeida) of Turlock, CA and Adam Morgan of San Francisco, CA.  

After graduating from Lodi High School, She attended the three-year Nurses Training Program at San Joaquin County General Hospital in Stockton, CA receiving her Registered Nurses License that she still held until her death - 60 years!  It was in nursing school that she met the love of her life, James C. Hanson, Sr.

Sandra and Jim were married on March 17, 1956, in Lodi, California.  In 1960, they moved to Turlock, CA, and have lived in the same house for 55 years.

While working and raising her two children, Sandra had set a goal to receive her Bachelor’s Degree from college.  In 1973 she went back to school to accomplish this.  In 1982, she walked across the stage with Jim (who was a Professor at Stanislaus) to pick up her B.A. Diploma.  It was a proud moment for her entire family.

Sandra’s nursing career in Turlock began at the old Emanuel Hospital on Canal Drive, where she worked from 1962 to 1965.  When the new Emanuel Medical Center opened in 1965 mom became one of the first ICU/CCU nurses.  She worked a total of 27 years.  She was employed in the fall of 1989 as a Registered Nurse at California State University, Stanislaus Health Center, working for 18 years with a break from 1995 to 2003 to take care of her grandchildren, which was her greatest joy.

During the latter 1960’s and early 1970’s, “Mrs. Hanson” as she was referred to,  volunteered her time at Sacred Heart School as the school nurse, physical education teacher and began the Girls Basketball program as their Coach.  Many of those former students kept in contact with her to this day.  There were even a few who because registered nurses and worked with mom at Emanuel.  She was respected by all who knew and loved her.

Sandra was a devout member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and loved to attend Mass. She was a member of YLI.  Other interests included playing slot machines, playing great Pinochle with long time friends, and still loved playing scrabble with her best friend.  She looked forward to her monthly Bunko nights with her daughter and all the “Bunko girls” as she liked to call them!!

In lieu of flowers the family prefers remembrances be made in her name to National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, the American Cancer Society, St. Jude’s Hospital, or your favorite charity.