On January 10, 2021, Lydia Jean Seal Hansen passed away in her home, where she had lived for 57 years. Jean was born on April 28, 1922, to Lydia Orgill and Franklin Seal, and grew up in then rural Riverton. After attending Utah State University and the University of Utah, Jean left school to work for the US Army at Ft. Douglas. When WWII ended, her regiment was re-locating to the Presidio and the general for whom she worked asked her if she would assist them in California. Always up for an adventure, Jean moved to San Francisco and absolutely loved her six years in the Bay Area. During this time, she met Robert B. Hansen and they were married in the Manti Temple on Dec. 28, 1949. After Bob graduated from UC Hastings Law School, they moved to Salt Lake City, where they raised five children on the Avenues.
Jean was the consummate mother, who was thoroughly engaged in her children’s lives, including throwing creative birthday parties, serving as den leader, room mother, carpool driver, and PTA president at Bryant Jr. High. After her children were grown, she was invited to work for the legislature at the State Capitol, which she always found fascinating. After several sessions at the Capitol, Jean worked for the Psychology Department at the U., and then later worked for the University’s Institutional Review Board. Our mom was very organized and efficient, and enjoyed working in such a stimulating environment. Jean was an outgoing, friendly woman, who easily made many friends wherever she worked.
Jean was a woman with style and excellent taste. She enjoyed collaborating with Ed Dreier and Merline Leaming to design and decorate a sophisticated and distinctive mid-century home. Our mom was extremely intelligent, hardworking, an excellent cook and had a delightful sense of humor. She particularly enjoyed playing April Fools pranks, which have become a family tradition. Jean also loved to travel, in the U.S. from Hawaii to Puerto Rico, and in Europe. An active and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, our mom served in many different callings in Primary, scouting, and Relief Society. One of her favorite callings was serving as the personal secretary to the President of the Ensign Stake for almost ten years. An avid reader throughout her life, our mom passed on her love of reading and literature to her family. Although macular degeneration eventually robbed her of her sight in her later years, Jean listened to countless audio books. Most of all, Jean loved her family. Our mom was an incredible cheerleader for each of her children and grandchildren.
Despite many serious health challenges, Jean was stoic; she never complained. Even in her 99th year of life, our mom still possessed a keen mind and great interest in the lives and activities of her family, friends, and neighbors. Jean was an amazing example of enduring to the end with grace and dignity.
Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Bob, and all four of her younger siblings, Lowe (Carol) Seal, Shirlee (Jim) Pennington, Ted (Dorothy) Seal, and Jone Foster.
She is survived by her children, Robert (Susan), Bill (Christa), Mary Ann (Scott) Rasmussen, John (Diane), and Matt, 18 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren.
Due to COVID-19, a funeral for family members only will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2021. All others are invited to watch via Zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/m9-qpbshlp6YWmcd2YXaXwMvyJAQkVoLixzvdbXFx2OtswrKlFFXPub5lmGqJfaY.50j-w3gi3eKwdJSk
Mary Ann, Scott and family,
May you find joy and happiness as you reflect on such a great lady. I remember fondly your moms visit to Arizona when we went out to Canyon Lake. She was so much fun to listen too and loved our little piece of Arizona.
What a great lady and life you will always treasure. God bless you all.
What a terrific woman! How many hours of my childhood were spent in the Hansen home! Such fond memories of such a great lady and mother.
She was also my mother's best friend for all those years on 18th Ave.
Sorry we won't be able to see you due to current circumstances-- I would have loved to see the Hansen gang again!
All the best,
Tom "t-dub" Williams
Hansen Family,
We are sorry to learn for Jean's passing and we are sure that this will create a large hole in your hearts and lives. But what a full life she lived!
Will never forget the time that we spent with her in Paris. We went to the Rodin sculpture garden together while others were out doing other things. We had quite the deep conversations and it was really my favorite part of the trip. She was a very smart woman.
I ran into her years later at Joann's fabric store and she recognized me and stuck up another conversation. She was so proud of her grandchildren.
Many great John & Diane Hansen family trips and memories.
Love and prayers,
Russell & Marilyn McSweeney & Family
Thinking of your dear family at this time. Your mother was such a wonderful, courageous , bright woman. Heaven will be blessed this day! Love Susan.
Dear John and Diane,
I want to express my sympathy to you at this time of your mother’s passing. I find, not having any experience in this matter, that it might be easier to loose a parent at the end of a well lives life. It seems that is the case with Jean! I wish you both peace and comfort as you carry out her final needs of this mortal life and then hope you have fond and loving memories to carry with you for the rest of your lives. I love and care for both of you so much. I hope tomorrow can be a celebration of her lived life.
All my best
Sonja
Jean was a wonderful, gracious, and thoughtful neighbor. It was a delight to live next door to her. We enjoyed our many conversations with her about so many places in the world. She had a keen mind and was very well informed about so many things. Jean seemed to always have time to chat with us and always wanted to ask us questions about our lives rather than focus on herself. We will miss exchanging birthday cards. She initiated the exchange, and never forgot our birthdays. Jean was a blessing to our lives.
Dan & June
What a dear friend Jean was to me as a young mother in her neighborhood. Over the years Our friendship has only grown. She was so fun to be around and her mind never lost a beat. We never ran out of things to talk about. She will dearly be missed. We shared some really great times together just chatting for hours about life. She taught me a lot and was a mentor of motherhood for me. I will miss her. So fortunate you are to call her your mother and grandmother. What a great reunion of family she is having, and now free to dance around as she chooses. I’ll miss you Jean ....until we meet again.
Aloha, your neighbor and friend Deanna
16 January 2021
Dear Robert, Bill, Mary Ann, John, and Matt,
With love and warmest regards we extend our condolences to all of you and your loved ones in the Hansen family. As neighbors and friends, we hold your mother & father and your family in the highest regard. You are the salt of the earth. Jean Hansen is a saint and is surely enjoying a most joyous reunion with your father and loved ones on the other side. She is such a beautiful, loving and kind woman and she lived life well! Your mother and our mother (Kathryn Brown) were much alike in their love of good literature and with keeping up on current events. They often talked with each other about their latest good read which was a source of joy in their wonderful friendship. The funeral service was a blessing to us all. Seeing all of you and hearing your tender expressions of love and respect for your mother were beautiful and inspiring and brought us to tears. We loved the music that your mother had selected and we were inspired by Elder Christensen's remarks. You are an outstanding family. May God bless you all with peace and joy, and may you be comforted during this time of separation from your sweet mother.
Love,
John & Diana Brown
Jean was not only my patient but she was my best friend we shared many many stories many secrets and I had a feeling for a couple of months that she needed me and I tried to call and no answer Googled and found out that her bituary was printed I cried and she will be deeply missed because I have lost a piece of my heart I love you Jean and may you soar
What a lovely funeral service for a lovely woman. All of you Hansen children gave such loving, hear-felt talks about your mother and I was fortunate to have experienced Jean’s kindness, love, and personal interest in me and my family that you all mentioned. May you and your families have peace and comfort as you mourn her loss, celebrate her life, and remember her goodness.
John and Diane,
I am so sorry to hear of your moms passing. What a life well lived! I lost my mom last year at 93, but it makes no difference at the age of their passing whether its 70 or 100, they are still your mom and you miss them. I am sorry to say that I did not know Jean, but I heard she was a force to be reckoned with, and bright to the end. She had to be really something to have a son like you, John. You are such an incredible, fun, well-rounded renaissance man and I'm pretty sure that your mom had a lot to do with that. I hope you and Diane are doing ok with your loss. I bet she was more than anxious to see your dad after all these years. My thoughts have been with you both since I heard. Know that you are loved. Tracey Cannon
Dear Bill & Christa:
Bill, as I read the obituary of your mom, Jean, I could see so many of her wonderful qualities reflected in your life. You have been a blessing in our lives, particulary in connection with our son, Drew and we thank you.
We miss you and Christa and your family.
We send our love and prayers.
Owen & Deanna
Dear Hansen Family -
We send our condolences to your family at the passing of Mother and Grandmother. Growing up on the avenues Jean was like a second mother to me. She was always so welcoming and kind to me when visiting or sleeping over. Many fond memories of our Ensign 5th Ward and neighborhood family. I remember one time I was sleeping over and I thing John and I had been eating ants and grasshopper. Needless to say I got sick in the night and Jean was so kind to call my Mom and drive me home in the wee hours of the morning.
We send our prayers that you will be comforted during this difficult time.
Love, Todd Stevens and Family