Claire E. Hansen

.Claire Hansen (nee Smith) passed away peacefully on January 24, 2024, at the age of eighty.

She was born in Harrison, New Jersey, on October 3, 1943, and later resided in West New York,

Kearny, and Oradell prior to settling in Toms River in 1998, where she lived until her final days.

Claire began working for The New York Telephone Company as a business office representative

at the young age of sixteen. During her time at the company, her kind demeanor and outspoken

personality led to quick promotions. However, during that time, she met the love of her life, John

Hansen, and after two years of dating, they happily married in 1962. As they planned their future

together, Claire gave birth to twins Scott and Robyn in 1964. With the addition of two little ones

in their home, Claire saw it best to become a full-time homemaker, which would be her promise

to her husband, who worked in law enforcement for the entirety of his career. John and Claire

remained joyously married for fifty-two years until John’s sudden passing in July of 2015.

While Claire had numerous ventures in her eighty years of life, it was her family who she lived

and cared for most. Her connection with her son, Scott, was reminiscent of the love every

mother has for her son and a relationship that many would deem as one-of-a-kind. Claire

always puts her family members' needs before her own. She absolutely adored her two

grandchildren, Sara and John, and proudly spoke of their accomplishments to those around her.

Claire had a loving relationship with each of her siblings, Patricia, James, and Joseph. Anyone

who knew Claire would say her love for her sister Pat was extraordinary. The two made trips

together and connected over family dinners and holiday celebrations. Her brother James

(Jimmy) lived in San Jose, California, for many years, and Claire would make sure to visit him

and enjoy the sunny weather next to the pool. Claire and her youngest brother, Joseph, lived

close for many years, and Claire always ensured his protection. Her brother-in-law, John

(Bucky), and sisters-in-law, Kathryn and Anne, remained close family members for several

years.

It would be remiss not to mention the love she had for all of her cousins (Rose, Marty), nieces

(Deborah, Colleen, Stacey, Tara), nephew (Richard), great-nieces (Bridget, Ashley, Sydney,

Sienna, Brielle, Harley, Reese), great nephews (Christopher, Kyle, Mathew, Nicholas, Jace,

Miles, Joseph), Aunt Dolores, Florence (Flo), Dodie, Peggy, her loving neighbor Sue, and most

recently, her great-grandson, Vladimir III. Deborah (Deb) and Claire were in steady

communication with each other until her sudden passing in 2017. Her niece Colleen had a

special place in Claire’s heart. They often had lengthy conversations over the phone whenever

Colleen needed a kindred spirit to guide her in whatever she was going through. To Claire,

Stacey was a beautiful soul who, in a second, would drop everything to be by her side. Tara and

her husband, Luis, played an important role as Claire's health began to decline. Richie was the

one Claire counted on for laughter, love, and, as of late, a trusted chauffeur who accompanied

her to important doctor’s visits. Dodie and Peggy were Claire’s childhood best friends and never

seemed to lose touch even as the years passed. Her great-grandson, Vladimir (Sonny), would

bring immense joy to Claire during her final days and remind her of the happiness an infant

brings to the world.

Many can attest to the fact that Claire always had the perfect answer to any problem you were

facing and shared the right words that would make you feel at ease. Her love and pure

intentions will be missed by many. She is predeceased by her husband, John J. Hansen;

daughter, Robyn T. Hansen; sister, Patricia McKeon; and brother, James Smith. Claire is

survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Scott Hansen and Maria T. Hansen of Fremont, CA;

granddaughter, Sara M. Rodriguez, wife of Vladimir Rodriguez II of Fremont, CA; grandson,

John J. Hansen II, husband of Rebecca K. Hansen of Clovis, CA; brother Joseph Smith,

husband of Anne Smith of East Brunswick, NJ; and great-grandson, Vladimir Rodriguez III, son

of Sara and Vladimir Rodriguez II of Fremont, CA.

A Memorial Mass to celebrate Claire's life will be held Friday, February 23, 2024, 10:30 AM at St. Luke's R.C. Church, 1674 Old Freehold Rd.ms River, NJ.