Rutland: Shirley M. (Hammarstrom) Hanson, 99, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2021 at UMass Memorial Medical Center, University Campus. She leaves a son Richard Hanson and his wife Edna of Rutland; a daughter Joan Sundberg and her husband Donald of Madbury, NH; 4 grandchildren: David Sundberg and his wife Nicole of Milford, CT; Eric Sundberg and his wife Cassandra of Decatur, GA; Laurie Dubovick and her husband Kenneth of Rutland; and Kimberly Antoni of Rutland; 6 great grandchildren: Alex, Maddi and her husband Josh, Lexi, Lili, James and Jared; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 55 years, John Harold Hanson, and by siblings Everett Hammarstrom and Doris LaCaire.
Shirley was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Evald and Anna (Nyberg) Hammarstrom. She graduated from Commerce High School, Class of 1940 and worked as a payroll clerk at the former Crompton and Knowles Company for many years. She was an active member of SAC Park, where she often displayed her skill as a talented Swedish meatball maker, The Swedish Dance Club, and Nordic Lodge #611 for many years. Shirley and her husband especially loved to dance the night away with friends to Nils Lundin and his orchestra. She was an avid reader and always looked forward to receiving Barnes and Noble gift cards for her birthday and as holiday gifts. Additionally, Shirley was a daily reader of the local newspaper and completed every crossword puzzle up until her passing. Some of her fondest memories were of her many adventures traveling. She especially loved to travel with her husband. Their travels included 19 trips to Bermuda, 3 trips each to Sweden and Hawaii, and many other unique places. In recent years, Shirley became an ardent Boston Red Sox fan and watched every game. She was introduced to UNH Wildcat Hockey by her daughter and became an avid fan of that team, as well, cheering the Cats on wearing her UNH hockey shirt whenever the game was televised. Most of all, Shirley loved spending time with her family. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the love of her life. The family will miss her dearly.
There will be a calling hour held on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 from 10-11 a.m. in Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln St., Worcester. A celebration of life will begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in All Faith’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to The American Cancer Society. For directions or to leave an online condolence message, please click guestbook link.