Mrs. Mildred L. "Mickey" (Bell) Hansen, a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away Sunday evening, October 23, 2011 at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, at the age of 82.
Born on October 20, 1929, in Revere, she was one of fourteen children of the late Edwin and Ellen (Conrad) Bell.
She was the beloved wife for 61 years to Earl N. Hansen. Devoted mother of Richard E. Hansen and his wife Janet Bersani of Westford, Steven C. Hansen of Eagle Point, OR, and the late Elaine N. Hansen. Loving grandmother of Grace K. Hansen of Somerville and Ethan Q. Hansen of Silver Spring MD.
Mickey is survived by her brother and sisters and their spouses, Dorothy "Dot" Wareham and her husband Will of Lake Suzy, FL, Rosemary Cavanaugh and her husband Richard of Malden, Helen Cummings of Santee, CA, Lorraine Byrne of Revere, Joseph Bell of Fort Myers, FL, and Robert Bell of Kittery, ME.She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her sister Evelyn DiMarzo and her brothers Charles, James, Edwin, Thomas, John and Albert Bell.
Mildred who was lovingly known as "Mickey" married Earl Hansen on January 31, 1950 and they made their home in Melrose since 1958.She loved family get-togethers, first with her large extended family, and then later at events celebrating her grandchildren's milestones and activities including 4-H horse shows, school plays, and Boy Scout Courts of Honor.She also enjoyed Steve's visits home from out-of-town.Mickey was great friends with her neighbors, and with the regulars with whom she shared coffee at Friendly's, Brigham's, and later Bruegger's in Melrose.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the medical staff at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital for the compassionate care Mickey and her family received during her stay.
Relatives and friends will honor and remember Mickey's life by gathering for visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Wednesday, October 26 from 4-8 PM and again on Thursday morning where her Funeral Service will be celebrated at 10:00 AM.Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.
Gifts in Mickey's memory may be made to Hallmark Health Hospice, 178 Savin St., Malden, MA 02148.