Stephen Martin Hansen

Stephen Martin Hansen, also known to many as Estevanico Hansioni, Zansen, Pap Pap 2, and of course Dad, died on Saturday, February 1, 2020 after a battle with cancer that led to other complications.

He will be remembered for his fun-loving attitude, his fierce loyalty, his love of trivia and how much he enjoyed a quiet afternoon spent in a canoe on a river.

Stephen is survived by his dear wife, Alexandra Gifford, his daughters Damask Petrick and her husband Stephen and Danielle Hansen; his siblings, Norma Crane of Brockton, MA, Carol Young and her husband Robert of Plymouth, MA, Jacqueline Hansen of Alexandria, VA and David Hansen and his wife Susan of Indianapolis, IN; his grandchildren, Charlotte and Benjamin Petrick; his sister-in-law Jeanne Perrone and brother-in-law Andrew Perrone. Stephen had 11 nieces and nephews, 4 (soon to be 5) grand nieces and nephews, and one grand-grand-nephew.  Stephen had many cousins and even more friends that will carry on his memory.

Stephen began his life with Harold Martin Hansen and Jacqueline Marguerite Selvage Hansen in South Boston with his three sisters; his beloved brother David was born a few years later.  The family moved from “Southie” to Avon, MA when Stephen was 5 years old. He told stories of playing pick-up stickball games in the woods near Hendricks Street in Avon.

Stephen, an athlete, played soccer and swam during his years at Avon High School and for the YMCA.  He often recounted funny tales from his years of lifeguarding. He went on to earn his degree in education from Springfield, College.

He married Mary Lou Fischer and began his family.  He loved taking his daughters canoeing and fishing, on bike rides and skiing.  Over these years, Stephen taught at both Hanscom AFB and Hartwell Elementary Schools in Massachusetts.  He was one of the best P.E. teachers around, his students, including his daughters, loved his classes and his dedication.  He was president of the Lincoln Teachers Association and coached the local swim, wrestling and soccer teams.

After retiring from education, Stephen moved to Alexandria, VA.  He had a deep relationship with his sister Jackie. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles AVLA Aerie 871 and the Sons of the American Legion for over 20 years and had many friends at these fraternal organizations.

He soon met his lovely wife, Alexandra Gifford, she sang “I Saw ‘Him’ Standing There” and captured his heart.  They were married for 20 years, had wonderful vacations and enjoyed visiting wineries. They both loved their cats:  Gooby, Harriet, Jack and Tilly. Stephen had a second career as an aquatics manager at Spring Hill Recreational Center.  He developed many valuable friendships that continued even after he retired.  

Stephen and Alexandra relocated to Irvington, VA several years ago and enjoyed the Rappahannock River and living the golf course life.  During his last decade, he was an avid golfer and had worked hard to support his local course, the Golden Eagle. 

The family will host “A Toast to Stephen” a celebration of Stephen’s life.  Please join us at Kilroy’s (5250a Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA) on February 16 from 2-5pm with a toast planned for 3 p.m.

Stephen loved the water...ocean, rivers, lakes.  Following his wishes, the family will scatter his ashes in Cape Cod this Spring.  Information will be provided soon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to either of the efforts below:

Stephen’s love of golf developed later in his life. He was eager to increase youth interest and had wanted to start a youth program at Golden Eagle.  To support a future program at Golden Eagle, you can donate by check payable to “Golden Eagle Golf Club” and mail to P.O. Box 431, Irvington, VA 22480.

Or

The Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia:  https://dsanv.salsalabs.org/BasicDonateFormforinauguralemail/index.html

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