Mary Anna (Long) Hanson

Mary Anna Hanson, 96, of Portage passed away at Brookdale Assisted Living on Saturday February 25, 2023. She was born on January 4, 1927, in Wyandotte, Michigan to the late Arthur and Grace (Neifert) Long.

Mary graduated as an education major from the University of Michigan and became a schoolteacher. She retired from teaching after a year to raise her family. She married her soulmate John on June 19, 1948. They spent 59 loving years together before John passed away on Christmas Day in 2007.

Mary loved puzzles and playing bridge. She would travel anywhere she could get to without having to board an airplane. She was particularly fond of trips to Florida and their cottage in Tawas, MI. Mary was devoted to her faith and held her relationship with Jesus dear to her. Above all she loved her family and would do anything for them.

Mary is survived by her children Paula (Larry) James, Jeff (Shelley) Hanson, and Chris (Loretta) Hanson; grandchildren Carissa (Cieran), Laura, Amelia, and Stephanie (Neil); and two great-grandchildren Sebastian and Sofia. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband John; her siblings Virginia Peck and Robert Long; and her grandson Steven.

Services for Mary will be held on Tuesday February 28, 2023, at Pathfinder Church 8740 S. Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002. A memorial gathering will be held from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm and a memorial service will begin at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s honor to Kalamazoo Gospel Mission and Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes.