Barbara Jane Hanson

Barbara Jane Hanson passed away at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska, on April 27, 2018, due to complications from heart and lung disease. She was 76. Barbara was born on May 5, 1941, in Muskegon, Mich., to Willis "Bill" and Clara Irwin. She married Terry Hanson in 1959, and they had one daughter, Erin (Hanson) McKay. Barbara moved to Alaska in 2008, to be with her daughter, her son-in-law and, especially, her only grandchild, Clara Anne McKay. Barbara loved spending time with her granddaughter, and enjoying all the things that Alaska had to offer. During her time in Alaska she traveled to Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula and many points in between. The highlight of her Alaska travels was a train trip to Denali National Park in 2016 that included a flightseeing trip around Denali on a clear sunny day. Barbara enjoyed her time with family and friends in Alaska, and also loved her time back visiting in Michigan with longtime friends and family. Barbara is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Erin and James McKay; along with granddaughter, Clara Anne McKay, all of Anchorage; brothers, Jim Irwin of Whitehall, Mich., and Bill Irwin of Tucson, Ariz.; two nephews; and one niece. Barbara was cremated, in accordance with her wishes. A memorial services will be held on Friday, June 15, 2018, from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., at the Petroleum Club of Anchorage, 3301 C Street, Suite 120. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Heart Association, if you are so inclined.