Elizabeth L. Hansen

Liz was born on June 25, 1948 at Fort McKinley U.S. Army Hospital in Manila, Philippines, the firstborn child of Cecil Rhodes Lawrence and his Filipino bride, Dolores Bueza Lawrence. The Lawrence family returned to Houston, Texas in 1949, where Liz would become an active, enthusiastic, lifelong member of the Oak Forest Community. Liz attended Stevens Elementary, Black Junior High, and Waltrip High School. Her friends and classmates still recall her as the “glue” that held the Class of 1966 together. Her beautiful, welcoming smile, her infectious laugh, and overall energy and zest for life drew people to her, and her superb organizational skills made her a natural in planning reunions and keeping communications and friendships alive.

This combination of keen intelligence, a strong work ethic, and the ability to quickly befriend and connect people was key in shaping her successful thirty-year career in the natural gas industry. From Tennessee Gas to Champlin to Transwestern Pipeline at Enron, she continually broadened her skills and accomplishments. She was fearless when facing a challenge, and in 1995, when asked to move to Dallas to take on a new position, Liz jumped at the chance. Over that four-year stint, she established a whole new network of colleagues and friends.

Liz had an uncommon ability to be fully present in whatever task she set for herself. Whether engaging with coworkers, listening to and supporting friends, planning celebrations with neighbors, she gave unstintingly of her time and attention. Family, friends and neighbors regularly received tokens of her affection in the form of thoughtful notes, delicious meals and baked goods, and hand-crafted gifts. She was an accomplished seamstress as well, constantly using her energy and talents to the benefit of others. She was also a prolific gardener who enjoyed spending hours outside with her plants and in her well-kept yard. Within her home, she loved music, playing the piano and harmonizing with others in song, and always quick to provide a delicious home-cooked meal for family and friends. And last but surely not least, the golf course was one of her favorite places to be. Her love of golf was legendary among her family and friends, who note that she was a fierce competitor yet always smiling and just enjoying every single minute.

Her top priority however was always her family, her parents, siblings and their kids, and her beloved children, Kelly and Patrick. Despite her busy work schedule, she never missed a performance, a game, an award ceremony or a lesson in those early years. She delighted in being the “Mom” that welcomed all comers to her home. Kelly and Patrick’s network of friends came often and stayed as long as they could, nourished by the attention and love she offered so freely. Even now they recall there was always a delicious meal and an empathetic ear at the Hansen home. Her love for and pride in Kelly and Patrick were unlimited, and she never wavered in her conviction that they could accomplish whatever they set their minds to do. Patrick treasures the many encouraging letters she wrote to him expressing her love and support as he faced changes and challenges in his own career.

This belief was foundational when Kelly launched her own business in 2002, Inspirational Arts, in which she creates original art using Bible Scriptures. Liz would be her catalyst and cheerleader, and having shared a deep, strong faith throughout their lives, Liz and Kelly embarked wholeheartedly on this journey. They traveled together to as many as 60 craft shows annually. Once again, Liz used her array of talents, booking shows for Kelly at local businesses, helping design the display booth, making inventory and befriending many of the other artists at the shows. With her ready smile and her homemade treats, Liz was a beloved fixture at the shows, and this opportunity to support and co-create with Kelly was a source of true joy and a beautiful bookend to her productive work life. Together, they built relationships that they treasure to this day.

Liz leaves behind a deeply rooted, rich network of people who were touched by her uncommon generosity and kindness throughout her life. As a keeper of memories, she was the person who was always ready to listen, to support, to grieve with you or to celebrate your good fortune. Her presence will be deeply missed by many.

Liz was predeceased by her parents, Cecil and Dolores Lawrence, and her two siblings, Janie Lawrence Dolmage and Rocky Lawrence. In addition to her daughter Kelly, her son, Patrick and daughter-in-law, Kelley, Liz is survived by her ex-husband of twenty years, R.K. Hansen, and her one and only but very dear WIL, Janet Hansen. She also leaves three grandchildren, Douglas, Kennedy and Presley and two nieces, Brittany Lawrence, Ashley Lawrence Strine and her husband Kyle.

Service details are listed below. Please note that social distancing protocols will be in place and masks required. There will also be a live stream option available for those who are unable to personally attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the non-profit First Tee-Greater Houston that represents Mom’s love and passion for the game of golf and celebrates her spirit of giving and helping others.