Obituary of Laura Hanson

LAURA JOAN HANSON, 74, of FARMINGDALE, died peacefully Wednesday, May 21, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, surrounded by her adoring family. She fought a long and courageous battle with Scleroderma. Mrs. Hanson was born in Long Branch and was a lifelong resident of Farmingdale except for the 14 years, she lived in Belgrade Lakes, Maine. She met her husband of 57 years, Calvin in 1950 when she spent the summer working in her grandfather's hotel in Belgrade Lakes. Together they had four daughters and a lifetime of happiness. Laura was a 60-year member of the First United Methodist Church of Farmingdale and a member of the Eastern Star, Como Temple Chapter, Spring Lake, for the past 20 years. She was a homemaker while raising her children and became a bookkeeper for her son-in-law's practice, retiring in 2005. She cherished her doll collection, toy memorabilia, American poetry and truly enjoyed the flowers in the Spring. Above all, Laura loved her family and spent many years caring for others in need. All who met her were touched by her love and kindness. She was predeceased by her parents, Mabel and Stephen J. Megill; and a sister, Carrie Brown. Surviving are her beloved and attentive husband, Calvin D. Hanson; four adoring daughters and three sons-in-law, Christine M. Hanson and her companion, Charles James of Stan Hope, Carrie and Dr. Alan Klein of Ocean Township, Valerie and Joseph Ferraro of Winn, Maine, and Lori and Bryan Oakes of Howell; two brothers, Stephen Megill of Florida, and Racine Megill of Farmingdale; two sisters, Miriam Miller of Long Branch, and Helen Megill of Farmingdale; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous treasured friends. Visiting hours will be from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township. Friends and relatives are invited to attend her funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with Rev. Dr. Wayne Richards officiating. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Laura's memory may be made to the Scleroderma Foundation, 300 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923. For information or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.