Born in Ellensburg, WA to Kenneth and Edith (Hobson) Courson, Nancy was raised along with her sister, Katherine, near Central Washington University, where her father was the business manager. She had a lifelong love of animals, belonging to 4-H club, and riding with her horse, Major, in the Kittitas Wranglerette drill team. In 1955 she became the Ellensburg Rodeo princess and in 2011 was inducted into the rodeo's hall of fame. For many years she returned to the Kittitas valley to watch the rodeo. Nancy graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1955 and continued her education at the University of Colorado in Boulder. She graduated from Washington State University, and also from Stanford University with a degree in physical therapy. She moved to the Seattle area, married David Hansen in 1962 and raised three boys: John, Rob and Rick. They spent many happy days together at the family vacation home in Cle Elum. Nancy worked as a physical therapist at Visiting Nurse Services for many years and was always very popular with her patients. She was able to comfort many sick and lonley people, and forge strong bonds of friendship throughout her life. When her son, Rob, needed financing, she provided him with a loan that enabled him to start his company, Bayview Limousine, where Nancy was a central figure, working there until 2009. She loved her home in Enumclaw, where she enjoyed sitting with friends, gardening, watching the birds, her horses, and her dog Blazer.
Nancy passed away peacefully on December 1st, after a brave 12 year battle with lung cancer. She is survived by her sons, John, Robert and Richard Hansen, grandson Tyler Hansen, granddaughters, Kenna and Ava Hansen, and sister Katherine Baxter. A celebration of her life will be held at Maplewood Golf and Country Club in Renton at 2pm on December 15th. Although Nancy loved flowers, those wishing to remember her may also consider donation to Pasado's Safe Haven, PO Box 171, Sultan, WA 98294.
She will be remembered for her welcoming smile, warm heart, her kitchen with a pot of coffee ready for a friendly visit. She was always ready for fun, so spirited and strong. Nancy was a beloved Mom, grandmother, sister and friend; what more can we say but, "we love you. we miss you. we will remember you."