Shirley Hansen of Blandford, MA passed away peacefully on July 17, 2016 at the age of 90. She was born April 13, 1926 to Josephine
Shirley Hansen
Connelly Premo and Marvin C. Premo in Springfield, Massachusetts. She graduated Sacred Heart School in 1943 and received a bachelor’s degree from Westfield State Teachers College in 1947. Shirley taught in the Springfield school system until her marriage to Philip Hansen in 1950 and then continued her work as a substitute teacher. After moving to Blandford in 1956, Shirley went on to earn her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and, being passionate about education, started the town’s first cooperative kindergarten. Shirley was predeceased by her loving husband, Philip R. Hansen, her brother, Glenn P. Premo, and her sister, Charlene Klaiber. She is survived by her sister, Sharon Ackley of Springfield, MA, her son, Kurt P. Hansen and wife Sherry of Beverly, MA, her daughter, Christine Hansen and husband David Clark of Springfield, MA. She leaves her grandchildren, Erik Hansen, Laura Hansen, and Emma and husband Christopher Stadolnik. Shirley also leaves beloved nieces and nephews too numerous to list. She will be missed by all her family, friends, and students. Calling hours will be Friday, July 29 from 4–7 p.m. at Firtion Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad St. Westfield, MA. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 30 at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Church in Russell, MA. Burial will follow at the Blandford Cemetery. No gum chewing will be allowed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Disease Association, 264 Cottage St. Springfield, MA 01104.
