Born Constance Anita Puharich on May 17, 1926 and raised in Sausalito, Connie graduated from Tamalpais High School, where she played saxophone and sang with the dance band. She commuted by ferry across San Francisco Bay to work, including working for Metropolitan Life. She and Sid met at a dance at the Servicemen’s Club during World War II, while he was stationed at Fort Baker, and were married in Sausalito on July 20, 1947.  

They began their life together in Eureka right after their marriage, where Connie worked in the family grocery store (Hansen’s Grocery at the corner of Myrtle & West) until beginning their family.  After her children were older, she continued her tradition of working in the family business with Sid at North Coast Mercantile Co., Inc. and has continued as an officer of the company ever since.

Connie passed after a brief illness on September 29, 2016.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Sidney (Sid) Hansen, her parents Emil and Gertrude Puharich, her brother Harold Puharich, and her sister Gladys Watson.  Connie is survived by her children: Diane & Marc Hoschler, Jody Hansen, and Robert (Rob) & Tawnie Hansen; her grandchildren: Tomi & Todd Eaton, Joya & Kyle Phillips, Chayton Whiskey, Miranda Hansen and Logan Hansen; her great grandchildren: Skylar, Clover, Aidyn and Mishael Eaton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Connie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who was always available to listen, support and help. She was the glue and the one behind the scenes contributing to her family’s success. She was so proud of the individuals that her children and grandchildren had become.

Although her move to Eureka took her away from her family and Bay Area friends, she continued to stay in touch with them over the years, in addition to making many new ones in Eureka.  She touched many lives and hearts in her too short 90 years.

Donations to the American Cancer Society (https://donate.cancer.org/index) in lieu of flowers are requested.  Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2016, with services also to be held at Sanders Funeral Home in Eureka on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 1 p.m.

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The obituary above was submitted by Constance Hansen’s family ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.