Opal Sophia Hanson

July 21, 1920 - June 22, 2016

Opal Sophia Hanson Obituary (Age 95) Much beloved mother, Opal Sophia Nelson Hanson, passed away peacefully June 22, 2016 in Spokane, WA surrounded by family. She was born in Spokane on July 21, 1920 to Anton Nelson and Lena Odegard Nelson. As a small child, she lived on Orchard Prairie with her parents and grandma Sophie Odegard. Since Grandma Sophie spoke Norwegian, Opal spoke both Norwegian and English. The family moved to Hillyard where Opal attended grade school, graduating from Whitman into J. Rogers High School. There she was very active, working on the Rogers Record and yearbook. She kept in contact with many high school friends and was very instrumental in helping organize reunions for her 1938 graduating class until their 70th class reunion. After graduation, Opal went to work at Loos Wiles Candy factory until the birth of her children. Opal met her wonderful husband, Raymond L. Hanson, through her best friend (and Ray�s cousin) Alice, when Ray moved to Spokane from North Dakota. They were married in November 1942 and had a wonderful life together until Ray�s passing in 1991. They were a great team, built their house together, and bought a brand new Dodge raised roof van and customized it � Ray doing the carpentry and Opal doing the upholstery and curtains � it was a professional job. Their daughters were born in 1945 (JoAnn) and 1950 (Janine). Mom was a wonderful mother, homemaker, and professional seamstress who made many beautiful dresses, formals, draperies, etc. She loved doing sewing and crafts and was a member of �Chums 15� � a group of friends that met regularly to sew and chat. Their group lasted for over 70 years with many years of fun times. Mom was an active room mother for her daughters� classes and a Bluebird leader � she enjoyed this so much. Mom also was skilled artist belonging to the Riverridge Art Association. She was also an accomplished pianist. Mom belonged to the Deaconess Hospital Auxilliary and worked in the E.R. and on the favors committee. She was a very active member of the Sons of Norway and had many wonderful friends there and many wonderful times. Mom was a longtime member of St. Peter Lutheran Church with many wonderful friends there also. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by her daughter JoAnn (husband and much loved son-in-law) Denny Higgins and their children: Dennis Higgins Jr. and wife Karyn � Brittney, Haley, Emma; Heidi Higgins Berg and husband Matt � Hunter, Daniel, Kellen; Christopher Higgins and wife Sydney � Maggie, Gabe, Nate; Andrea Higgins Martin and husband Brian � McKayla, Mason. She is also survived by her daughter Janine Wakeley and her children: Brian Wakeley and wife Renata; and Heather Wakeley. Additionally she is survived by her brother-in-law John Hanson and wife Joyce; sisters-in-law Venise Hanson and Myrtrice Hanson, and many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and nephews, and her special friends Joanne Medhus and husband Mel. Visitation will be available Monday, June 27th from 10am to 5pm and Tuesday, June 28th from 8am to 5pm at Heritage Funeral Home. Services will be held Wednesday, June 29th at 2:00pm at Heritage Funeral Home with reception to follow. Private burial on June 30th. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church, Shriners Hospital, or Mary Bridge Children�s Hospital. The family is grateful for the wonderful, loving care provided by the staff at Riverview Care Center. � To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Opal, please visit our Tree Store. Read more Events JUN 22