Rachel HANSEN

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HANSEN: Rachel (nee Hofer) July 7, 1940 – January 15, 2010. After battling complications from surgery, Rachel passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on January 15, 2010. Rachel was a passionate follower of Christ and she devoted her life to sharing His love with all she met. She touched many lives with her generous spirit and her desire to care for those in need. Rachel is survived by her loving husband, and soul mate, Ed, her two children and their spouses, Elizabeth (Mark) and James (Amanda), six grandchildren (Alexander, Alden, Alijah-Paul, London, Eden, soon arriving baby Hansen) and six siblings (Edwin, Elizabeth, Clara, Jacob, Katherine, Mary). Rachel was born in Starbuck, Manitoba and was raised on James Valley, Riverdale and Deerboine Hutterite colonies. After receiving her nursing degree in 1972, she began a career devoted to helping others. Rachel was a stay-at-home parent from the beginning who not only made a wonderful home for her children and husband, but also could often be found cooking or baking for others. This spirit of helping culminated with the creation of Celebration and Rainbow Manor care home, which she and Ed opened in 1995. Through her limitless desire to help others and her gift for leadership, she founded and provided oversight to four additional locations (Rainbow Manor, Hope House, Jacob’s Center, Rachel House). Through these endeavors she touched many lives and was Christ’s hand extended to those who could not help themselves. Her legacy of care will continue in the hands of the amazing staff, whom she led and loved dearly. Her abilities as a caregiver were only surpassed by her abilities as a wife, mother and grandmother. Her family will never forget the blessing she was and the principles she taught us through her words and deeds. The family would like to thank the medical staff in the ICU at Royal Columbian Hospital who wonderfully cared for her during her last days. A memorial service will be held on January 22nd, 2:00 PM PST, at Calvary Christian Church, 16293 - 104 Avenue, Surrey, B.C. It will also be broadcast live at www.calvary.ca using the ‘Watch Live’ link on the main page. She was a star that shined brightly and she will be dearly missed.“Well done, good and faithful servant! Come and share your master's happiness!” Matthew 25:21.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 20, 2010