Mary Jane Hanson

Mary Jane (Pittman) Hanson, beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend passed away on May 21 in Hastings, Minnesota. She left this life holding the hand of her husband of 36 years, David. She was 55 years old, having bravely fought her illness for the last two years.

Mary began life in Cambridge, Minnesota, the youngest daughter of Joseph (deceased) and Erma Pittman of North Branch and sister of Jerry Pittman, Betty (Pittman) Olsen, Carol (Pittman) Panser, and Ray Pittman. Following high school Mary attended Winona State College studying Early Childhood Development and American Sign Language, later serving as a sign language interpreter for elementary age schoolchildren.

Ultimately Mary found a home with the staff and children of Taylors Falls Elementary School. Affectionately known as the “Crabby Computer Lady”, Mary treasured every moment spent with her students and colleagues from the school her TFE family. Mary raised her two children not far away from the school at her treasured farm house in Almelund, Minnesota. In recent years Mary made her home on Knife Lake north of Mora, Minnesota where she enjoyed the company and support of many great friends.

Mary is survived by husband, David; her children, Danielle Crudden and Blake Hanson; her mother Erma (Schaval) Pittman; and three grandchildren Jackson, Katherine and Halleena. A Celebration of Life will be held remembering Mary at her beloved Taylors Falls Elementary School on Friday, May 30 from 5pm to 8pm. The celebration will continue with a service at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Almelund, Minnesota at 11am on Saturday, May 31. In lieu of flowers please send memorials to the family.