Carole Ann Hanson

Carole Ann Hanson, age 84, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 7, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, surrounded by her loving family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 9, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation, 2210 East Main Street, Albert Lea.

Carole was born on December 14, 1940, in Austin, Minnesota, to Vivian and Francis Thompson. She was united in marriage to Cecil Stuart, Harold Larson, and Donal Hanson; all three marriages later ended in divorce.

She attended public school in Glenville, Minnesota, and went on to earn a technical degree in the Food Safety and Quality Control Program from the Albert Lea Vocational Technical College. Throughout her life, Carole worked in a variety of roles, most notably as a Laundry Associate at Good Samaritan Society in Albert Lea. She dedicated 17 years of service there prior to her retirement and took great pride in her work.

Carole was a gifted songwriter who found deep joy and purpose in music. She delighted in playing her guitar and sharing her original compositions with family during visits, creating lasting memories through song. She also enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, treasuring the fellowship and laughter they shared.

Known for her compassion and generous spirit, Carole was always ready to lend a helping hand. In her later years, she found special meaning in participating in the Christmas "Adopt-a-Family" program alongside her beloved daughter, Norene, who preceded her in death. Giving to others brought her great fulfillment and reflected the kindness that defined her life.

Carole also had a deep love for animals, particularly those in need of care. In her younger years, she lived on a hobby farm with her husband and children, where she nurtured and rehabilitated a wide variety of wildlife. She became well known for the many animals she compassionately cared for over the years. Carole will be remembered for her warmth, creativity, generosity, and the enduring love she shared with all who knew her.

Carole is survived by her children Danniel (Julie) Stuart of Albert Lea, Terese, "Dollie" (Kevin) Hemmingsen of Wabasha, Sean Stuart of Glenville and son-in-law Dale Nicholsen of Albert Lea; grandchildren include Zaccariah (Cassie) Stuart, Jenny Stuart (James Erickson), Cassandra Mendez, Corina Adams, Katie Funk (Michael), Justin Stuart, Abbey Stinehart, Gracelynn Stinehart-Baker, Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger (Chuck), Perry Hemmingsen (Amelia), Veronica Stenstrom (Jim), Kyle Hemmingsen, Aeron Mangskau and Owen Stuart (Hailey Christenson) and great-grandchildren Zaccariah Jr, Jayden, Hunter, Thomas, Ramon, Logan, Ariahana, Keegan, Penelope, Amari, Henley, Kohen, Karsyn, Landyn, Nova, Victoria, Sophie, Hugo Dashiell, Aiden, Ezra, Hayden, Kora, Jackson and Ethan. Carole is also survived by her sister, Sandra Jacobsen, brother Raymond (Becky Meyer) Thompson and sister-in-law Rena Soper as well as many nephews, and nieces.

Carole is preceded in death by her daughter Norene Nicholson and son Benjamin Stuart, grandson Johnathon Stuart, parents Vivian and Francis Thomposon, siblings Phyliss Christ, Francis (Paul) Soper, Wilson (Bill) Soper, James Soper, Mary Faye Thompson, Francine Thompson, Merna Christianson, and Linda View.

Charitable contributions may be made to the Salvation Army or a local food shelf in honor of Carole's passion for giving and her dedication to helping those in need.