Mary Margaret "Mugs" Hanson

Mary Margaret Hanlon Hanson ("Mugs"), formerly of Duluth and Esko, age 90, died peacefully on Monday, December 12, 2016 in Lexington, Minnesota.  She was born on September 26, 1926 in Brainerd Minnesota, daughter of John Hanlon and Mary Schilling Hanlon.  She grew up in Aitkin Minnesota, graduating from Aitkin High School.  She went on to college at St. Catherine’s in St. Paul, at the tender age of 16.  There she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Music and Teaching.  She later earned her Master's Degree in Special Education.

Mary raised seven children in Duluth, Minnesota, all while teaching Special Ed at Bethany and Woodland Hills. She was especially talented at connecting with children of all ages.  Additionally, she thoroughly enjoyed camping, music, playing cards (Bridge) and traveling the world extensively.  She combined her love of children and travel, by spending several summers in Thailand teaching Thai children English.

Mary was predeceased by her parents; brother Jack Hanlon; son Scott Hanson and son in law, Greg Gerst.

She will be sadly missed by her children Karen Gibson (Virginia Beach, VA), Timothy (Shelly) Hanson (Moose Lake, MN), Bob (Becky) Hanson (Elk River, MN),  Stephanie (Stephen) Spencer (Virginia Beach, VA), Jacqueline Gerst (Duluth, MN), and Kathleen (Mike) Zylka (Farmington, MN).  Also, her sister Ann (Jack) Ruttger of Brainerd, MN and many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren and special friend, Bernard “Hap” Diedrich.  She also leaves behind, numerous loving relatives and friends.  The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Mary Ellen Fifita who cared for her during her last few years.  “See You In Heaven.”

Online condolences can be left on Mary Hanson's Memorial; Tribute at WWW.dfhduluth.com.

Visitation will be Friday from 10am to the 11am services at Dougherty Funeral Home.  Burial will be 3pm Friday at St. Thomas Cemetery, Aitkin, MN.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd St. Duluth, (218) 727-3555.