Barbara Bressani Hansen

UntitledBarbara Bressani HansenSept. 15, 1924 - May 26, 2007 Our very courageous, loving wife, mother, grandmother and wonderful friend left this life on Saturday, after a 15 year battle with Alzheimer's disease. She will be remembered as the vivacious, generous, beautiful, intelligent and faith-filled woman she had been before this illness took hold of her. She leaves behind her devoted husband of 55 years, Gerald, her four children - Joan, Lynn, John and Anne and joins her oldest son, Richard, who predeceased her in 1991. Her five adoring grandchildren - Julie and Catherine Hansen and David Jr., Carolyn and Kevin Farmer - along with the thousands who were touched and inspired by this fine woman in life wish her eternal peace.Barbara lived most of her life in San Jose and had a deep appreciation for its rich history and vibrant community. As the only child of Richard and Emma Nicora Bressani, she attended St. Leo's Elementary, Notre Dame High, San Jose State and Stanford University, where in 1948 she received her Master's in Psyochometry and Guidance. For the next several years she lived in San Francisco and worked as Bridal Buyer for her favorite store, I. Magnin & Co. She met and married Jerry in 1951.Although accomplished on many levels and in many charitable endeavors, she most enjoyed her work with Ladies of Charity in support of St. Elizabeth's Day Home, her time as president of Bellarmine's Mothers Club, and her selection as the first woman Trustee to the Bronco Bench at Santa Clara University. Barbara was a rare balance of grace and strength, humility and leadership; a substantial woman, ahead of her time. Men loved her and called her "friend" as easily as women loved her. She loved her Lord, her family, and all the things relating to football. Her only regret was that she never owned her own professional football team! She would have made one heck of an owner. The last years of her life were spent under personal care of Elizabeth Hernandez and Norris Gonzalez. The Hansen Family will be ever grateful to these dedicated, blessed caregivers for delivering the highest standard of care to Barbara and for loving her like their own mother. All are welcome to attend a Vigil Service, Friday, June 1st at 7:00 p.m. at Chapel of Flowers, 900 South Second Street, San Jose. We will celebrate a Funeral Mass on Saturday, June 2 at 12 noon at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 200 O'Connor Drive, San Jose. Burial immediately following at Oak Hill Memorial Park, 300 Curtner Ave., San Jose. Reception location after burial to be announced. The family requests that donations be made to St. Elizabeth's Day Home, 950 St. Elizabeth Drive, San Jose 95126, in lieu of flowers.