Leigh Claire Hanson

Hanson, Leigh C. MADISON-Leigh Claire Hanson, age 78, of Madison, died Dec. 13, 2014, after a long fight with COPD. She was born May 31, 1936, in Madison. Leigh lived her life out loud with great gusto and had a reputation as a force of nature. She was known by those who loved her for her red hair, snappy outfits, expressive personality, strong opinions, physical energy, and generosity towards those she loved. Leigh lived the first year of her life in a tent near Alma, Wis., while her father worked on a New Deal project. Her itinerant childhood in Madison, New Jersey, and Beloit meant that she was often the new kid in school, which formed her early commitment to make others feel included. Leigh graduated in 1954 from Beloit Memorial High School. She spent childhood summers in the north woods of Wisconsin, where the women of her family have strong ties. Leigh attended Beloit College, majored in Journalism and worked for the Beloit Daily News, beginning a lifelong passion for writing. In 1956 she married Warner “Vern” Anderson. They lived for over 20 years in Janesville, where they raised their family. Leigh was an active member of the First Congregational Church; enjoyed physical pursuits such as swimming, volleyball, dancing and ice skating; hosted frequent parties; expressed her views to civic and school authorities (who often followed her “advice”); appeared in local plays; and raised Siamese cats. She worked as a secretary for the Children’s Service Society and administered civil service tests. Her annual Christmas letter was famous. After a 1981 divorce, Leigh pursued a vibrant social life, including many excursions with the Southern Wisconsin Area Tall Singles. In 1983 she met Leroy “Lee” Hanson; they married in 1985. Her years with Lee were the happiest of her life. Leigh and Lee were fixtures at Madison area supper clubs, enjoying Friday fish fries and music when Lee was booked to play the organ. They owned and managed the Leo Drive Apartments and built a successful business and community of residents. Leigh published the Leo Drive “No Lion” newsletter until her death. She worked at the Madison Apartment Association and then as Executive Officer of the Wisconsin Apartment Association (WAA). WAA membership more than doubled under her leadership. She enjoyed helping members across the state and producing a 36-page monthly newsletter. Leigh was widowed in 1995 when Lee died of Lou Gehrig’s disease. Leigh’s later-life adventures included a trip to a Wyoming dude ranch with her Siamese cat, Déjà Vu, whose paws were often on the steering wheel of her green Cadillac. She was an active volunteer at the East YMCA. With the help of her longtime friend Don Gabower, she acquired land in Lac du Flambeau, Wis., and created her cabin Wiki Giwaydin. Leigh and Don spent much of their time there, entertaining friends, improving the cabin, and trying to outwit bears. She befriended several raccoons and took great interest in her Autumn Lake neighbors. Leigh held a particular grudge against Tag Alder and relished uprooting it throughout her property. Leigh’s health began to fail in the late 2000’s and she became increasingly home-bound. Her determination and drive did not decline, however, and in 2014 she successfully ran her apartment business from her bedroom and entertained friends from Wales. The week of her death, she hosted an impromptu, ten-hour open house in her hospital room to share cheerful and loving goodbyes with friends and family. Leigh’s family would like to thank the “village” that allowed Leigh to stay at home and live life on her own terms. This includes Shannon Bailey, the Brynwood Drive “tribe” of neighbor/friends, Leo Drive Apartments staff, especially Darwin Hanson, and many loving caregivers from Home Instead, especially Connie Wilson. We also thank the rock star nursing staff of the 8th floor of St. Mary’s Hospital as well as Dr. Sarah James and Dr. Emily Ramharter for their remarkable support as Leigh’s uncrushable spirit transitioned to her next phase, where she will have no limitations. Leigh is survived by her children, Margaret Anderson (Janet Sperstad), Steven (Julie) Anderson and Inger Hanson; her sister, Carla Shaffer; her brother, Jack Leland Shaffer; several nieces, nephews and grandchildren; and her special friend, Don Gabower. Funeral services will be held at LAKE EDGE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 4200 Buckeye Road, Madison, at 11:30 a.m., on Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. A luncheon will follow the service at the Esquire Club. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the YMCA in support of their aquatic programs. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420