Alma Gloria Hanson

Alma Gloria Hanson, 85, passed away January 3, 2024, in the beautiful sanctuary of EvergreenHealth Hospice in Kirkland. Alma was born Alma Gloria Becerra in Oakland California to Eugenio Becerra and Martha Becerra on October 14, 1938. She was the oldest of five siblings (Martha, Gene, Robert and Lucia). She attended Castlemont High School and then studied at Simpson Bible College in San Francisco for two years. In June, 1960, she married Dick Hanson, who would be her loving husband for 62 years. Alma deeply loved her family, and Dick’s family was very dear to Alma throughout her life. Alma is survived by her daughter, Kathy, her granddaughter Sophie, and her siblings, Gene, Robert and Lucia.

Alma and Dick lived in Pullman, Washington, Iowa, Michigan, Maryland, California and Rhode Island, before spending their last 20 years in Mill Creek WA, where they moved to spend their days with Kathy and Sophie. Alma was Dick’s steadfast and loving supporter as he pursued his professional goals, providing the grounding to Dick’s electric personality. She was thrilled to earn her teaching degree at the University of Rhode Island and spent many years working as a substitute teacher. Alma and Dick had an abundant life together, sailing, camping, flying, hosting gardening tours in Europe, and caring for friends and family across the country. Wherever they went, Alma and Dick developed very close and lifelong friendships that they cherished in their church communities. Alma loved the life that she lived and rejoiced in all of it!

Wherever Alma went, she blessed people with her inspiring faith in God, her kindness and selflessness. Dick’s cousin, Lyn, described Alma perfectly:

“She was a beautiful, shining light…to everyone who knew her. She made everyone feel warm, loved and accepted just by being in her presence. She had an infectious smile and laugh, which also drew you in, and let you know she felt it was a delight to be in your presence. She was adventurous and yet also content in being at home. She adored being a mom and grandma and loved Kathy, Sophie and Dick with all her heart. She simply delighted in her life and in all God gave her to experience. While she willingly and easily allowed others she loved to claim the limelight around her, the light she cast in her gentleness, love, genuineness and steadiness bathed her in light, even though she did not seek it.”

For those wanting to give a memorial gift, the following three are possible suggestions:

Mukilteo Presbyterian Church

Truckers Against Trafficking

EvergreenHealth Foundation