Jean Lois Hansen

Jean Lois Barrett Hansen was born in the home that her father, Lawrence E. Barrett, built for her mother Mildred Bogert Barrett on December 29, 1928, in Westwood, NJ. There is a replica of the home that her father made for her as a child that all of the cousins and grandchildren have happy memories of playing with when they visited. She was raised in Westwood NJ with her brothers, Kenneth Barrett and Bruce Barrett. Alongside her family, she attended the Westwood Methodist Church, and was very active in the Girl Scouts, a Fife and Drum Corp that her father organized, and also played violin. Her family nurtured a true love of hand craft, fiber arts, music and community service which is reflected throughout Jean’s life and a gift that she has passed along to her children, Sheila Hansen Does, Wayne Hansen and Rachel Stephanie Hansen, with grandchildren Dawn, Cordelia and Ava/Avery.

As Jean moved through her life she resided in Bergen County and finally settled in Midland Park, where she has been living for sixty five years. During that time she raised her children, and was a temporary foster parent, for Bethany Christian Services, to 36 babies while they awaited placement, and supported all of her children through their activities in Music & Art, while working outside of the home. Jean was a GSA Troop Leader, President of the Women’s Methodist Society, chaperone to many HS Band events; she assisted with and organized fundraising and donation efforts for CUMAC in Paterson including The Mitten Tree and camp YDP with the Midland Park UMC. Later in years, Jean was a member of Elmendorph Handspinners Guild in Red Hook NY, the Century Museum Village and Collector’s Association, in Rhinebeck NY, the NYS Sheep and Wool Festival and the Dutchess County Fair, where Jean received numerous awards for her high achievement of mastering fiber arts and knitting. She even learned how to shear, dye and spin wool.

Jean’s support and loyalty can be felt and seen throughout her extended family, who will always hold her loving and forthright manner as a positive reference into their futures.

The Hansen family will receive friends and family on Thursday, April 3, 2025 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment to follow at Westwood Cemetery.