Elizabeth Hansen

(St. Anne Circle)

Elizabeth is not your usual candidate. She is 92 years old. She is a woman of great faith, wisdom, humility, and compassion. Her age makes her sensitive to the elderly. The years and life experiences have taught her extraordinary compassion. She begins her day by live streaming our morning Mass and posts a good morning to all who join her. I swear this is the fuel that energizes her day. Elizabeth moved to Lake Forest twenty-five years ago and became an active member of St. Anne's Circle. She is the mother of seven children and adopted the eight to complete her family. She was widowed in her 50s and dedicated her life to her children and grandchildren. Elizabeth has known sorrow. She lost not only her husband but four adult children. It seems these deep sorrows have impacted her resolve to reach out to others who are suffering. She believes from the depth of her heart that kind gestures can reach wounds only compassion can heal. It is these kind gestures that have inspired me to nominate her for Woman of the Year. She lives in a community of elderly people who are sometimes lonely or depressed, who are feeling unwell. She uses a walker (I might say at the speed of light) for support, but also as a cart to deliver kindness and love in the form of warm, home baked treats. She is known for the knock on the door at suppertime with a warm, homemade chicken pot pie, or blueberry pie from the blueberries she has recently picked in Michigan. She has a knack for knowing when help is most needed. We had a resident who due to Alzheimer would roam away from home and needed constant watching. It was exhausting for her husband. Elizabeth would find her and bring her to her condo and give her tea and companionship. The woman got the attention she craved and gave the husband a much-needed break. She seeks out the people who are lonely or bed ridden and never hesitates to stop in and say hello or offer help. She recently brought a full English tea to a lady celebrating her 100th birthday… a tea with scones, sandwiches, and sweets along with the finest China. That lady went to bed that night knowing the most special love. And when she cannot figure out what to do, she will say "I am going to say a rosary for you." Her faith fills us all with such hope and peace. She truly believes what St. Teresa of Avila said about Christ having no body on earth but ours, our hands, our eyes, our hearts to reach out to others. Even an old tree grows new buds - and this tree never stops producing.  At 92 years old, Elizabeth is always willing to help, often being the first in Saint Anne’s Circle to volunteer to help with any job. She is our Funeral Luncheon Coordinator, photographer, and was our carpool driver until recently. Over the years, she has done every job imaginable.  Elizabeth is a true Catholic role model. She attends Mass every morning and says the rosary with Father Rocky each evening. She gives God credit for helping her get through the loss of her husband and four of her eight children. She has a soft spot in her heart for those suffering, by listening to them and trying to help in any way she can. By the way, her pot pies do help!  Elizabeth serves Christ by helping others. She was involved with Catholic Charities. In her condo building, at 92 years old she can be seen pushing pot pies and blueberry pies on her Walker to neighbors who need nourishment. She also passes out “happies”, goodie bags including cardinal magnets. She will tell you "Cardinals appear when angels are near.” She is also still active in the Rosary Society of her former parish, Saint Anne of the Dunes.