Laura Hanson

Born in Burbank, California, next door to the famed Walt Disney Studios, Laura was a Professor and Head of Design and Technical Theatre for Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, IL.

At SIUE, she designed costumes for over 30 Theatre and Dance productions. Her costume designs have also been seen at the Prague International Theatre Festival in Europe, and at the Santiago Ballet in Cuba. While living for many years in New York City, she worked for some of the major professional costume shops, constructing costumes for Broadway shows, Off-Broadway shows, National Tours, New York City Ballet and Opera, and American Ballet Theatre. At New York University’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts, she taught Costume Stagecraft and supervised the Costume Shop in the Department of Design for Stage and Film.

In the St. Louis area, Dr. Hanson has crafted costumes for The Rep, the Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Upstream, Insight, Avalon, and Hot City Theatres. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Theatre from New York University, and also taught at Marymount Manhattan College in New York and at St. Louis University. One of her show business highlights was a meeting with legendary Broadway producer, Stephen Sondheim.

Laura was a world traveler and explored many countries in Europe. She visited Norway in search of her father Alan’s ancestors, and considered Hawaii to be one of her favorite vacation spots. Several memorable trips were with her beloved cousin, the late Susan Dollar. In addition to Hawaii, Laura and Susan traveled to England and Italy together. She also enjoyed many trips with her mother, the late Joan Hanson. Laura cherished times with her beloved family and dear friends. Saturday lunches with her brothers were a frequent occurrence, as well as trips to The Rep, The Muny, The Fox, and concerts. One of her favorite shows was Sir Paul McCartney in concert at Busch Stadium. She also enjoyed reunions and meetings with many dear friends from St. Louis University Theatre Alumni. She was honored as a “Woman of Excellence” by her high school, Nerinx Hall in Webster Groves, MO.

Laura also hosted wonderful Christmas Eve dinners, where the family dined on a feast prior to opening Christmas gifts. She enjoyed spending time with her loving dog, Taco.

Laura is survived by her brothers, Robert (Elizabeth) Hanson and Thomas Hanson. She was the cherished aunt of Todd, Erin (Eric), Rachel, and Megan Hanson; a dear cousin of many, a treasured friend of many, and a life-long friend of Trish.

Visitation will be at Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary, 6464 Chippewa 63109 in St. Louis on Monday February 6, 2023 from 4pm to 8pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Annunciation Church at 12 West Glendale Road in Webster Groves, MO 63119 on Tuesday February 7, 2023 at 10:00am. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.

The Mass will be livestreamed from the website of the church. See below under services "Mass of Christian Burial" for the link.

Memorials in Laura's memory to the Starkloff Disability Institute or the Humane Society of Missouri are greatly appreciated by her family.

Please leave a favorite memory of Laura for her family to cherish at the "add a Memory" link below.