Marija Haubrich Hansen passed away at the age of 96. Born on September 8, 1919 near Novi Sad, Yugoslavia Marija joined her parents, two sisters Betty and Anna and eventually two other sisters, Julija and Rosie. She grew up in a city where her father operated a barge on the Danube River.

After graduating from school Marija continued her education in secretarial and business classes. As the only sister who was adventuresome enough to emigrate to the United States of America by herself, at the age of nineteen she left Yugoslavia, went to Germany and crossed the Atlantic on the Queen Elizabeth.

Upon her arrival in New York City at 4:00 a.m. she glimpsed the Statue of Liberty in the harbor. It was an exciting moment, one she never forgot. Marija was met by a contact to help her board the train and begin her journey to Portland, Oregon where she was to live with her uncle Peter Schmitt and his family.
Marija was a self-starter. Since she spoke no English she immediately enrolled in the English program on what is now the Portland State University campus. To earn her own spending money she was a nanny and did house work for a couple of families. Later she did work for Columbia as a seamstress. She was accomplished at stitchery and making crocheted lace. Her family was gifted with embroidered fine linens edged with her lace work. These are among her treasured creations, highly valued by her family and appreciated by many. She also wrote beautiful calligraphy.

During her second year in Portland she met David Maurice Hansen. They were married in 1941. Maurice worked for the Union Pacific Railroad as a machinist. In World War II he was required to continue his job in order to help our railroad transportation system. By being part of the union he was able to work towards safety standards for all the workers.

On May 25, 1943 their first son David Michael Hansen was born. Then in 1948 their daughter Julija Hansen joined the family. For Marija Hansen her family was all important. She offered kind leadership and advice. She cooked and baked. She planted and cared for a large garden for many years. She harvested many vegetable and fruits and processed them. The beauty of her yard was her pride and joy, often commented upon by her strolling neighbors. Her reputation among friends as a splendid baker was widely appreciated for years. Her baked goods fueled many appetites at home and at meetings.

The Hansen family lived in the David Douglas school community. Marija Hansen joined the work force at the Powellhurst building in the library system for David Douglas School District. Her son David was a star athlete in basketball, baseball and football and is in the David Douglas Hall of Fame. Her daughter Julija was a fine student who was successful in high school. She was an active participant in the drama department.

For many years the volunteer work done by Marija Hansen had been a vital part of the development of the David Douglas Historical Society Museum. She served for over ten years as a Board Member of the Historical Society. She willingly tackled unsung jobs such as cataloging and coordinating Museum artifacts. She would appear with her delectable foods for coffee hours or special events. Cookies, cakes and breads were joyfully shared. They were eagerly awaited, too.

The move from her house of 75 years to Russellville was timely. The upkeep of a half an acre became a chore rather than the joy that she had cultivated over the years. The beautiful gem on SE 122nd Avenue was appreciated and expressed by many of her neighbors. She continued with her hobbies of reading and listening to classical music.
Her helping and generous hands were appreciated by so many through the years. She was always a good listener and filled with wisdom. She shared the love of her family with all of us.
Her family wishes to express their deepest love and gratitude to our Omi. She lives on in the hearts and minds of those who knew her. A celebration of her life was held in March.

Remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society.