Nancy (Koehler) Hansen

Surrounded by family, Nancy Koehler Hansen passed peacefully at her home on Sunday, June 18, 2023 at the age of 94. Nancy is survived by her daughter, Natalie Hansen Weinsz (Mike), daughter-in-law, Gretchen Seitz Hansen, granddaughters, Katherine, Alexandra, Julia, Melissa, Laura Hoffman (Sam), and Sarah, sister-in-law, Ann Koehler and many devoted nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, William Stucki Hansen (Bill), her son, W. Gregg Hansen, sister Betty Jean Cain (Almon) and brother Reginald S. Koehler III. 

Those who knew her best amongst family, friends and in the greater Pittsburgh community were amazed at Nancy’s resilience, determination, and fortitude. No matter what her life circumstances were, she would do her best to optimistically approach a solution and soldier on relying on her Lord Jesus Christ as her guiding light. Knowing that laughter and sociability were healthier than a life of solitude, Nancy persevered and did her best to dance through her heartache. What a wonderful role model she has been for so many.

Nancy was born April 5, 1929 in Bellevue, PA to Reginald S. Koehler, Jr. and Esther Hawken Koehler. She was raised in Ben Avon Heights, attended Ben Avon schools and graduated from Penn Hall Preparatory Academy in Chambersburg, PA. She graduated from Cornell University in 1951 from the College of Agriculture with a BS in Home Economics. She served as president of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and was on the board of the University’s Student Union. After college Nancy relocated to Long Island, NY and worked as a home demonstration agent for Nassau County for three years. Upon returning to Ben Avon Heights, Nancy became reacquainted with Bill Hansen and they were married in 1955 for 44 years and devoted to each other until his premature passing in 1999. Bill was CEO and President of Hansen Inc. with subsidiaries of A. Stucki Co in McKees Rocks and on Neville Island in Pittsburgh, PA and Hankison International Co. in Canonsburg, PA.

Nancy and Bill raised Gregg and Natalie in the Ben Avon Heights home in which she had been raised until moving to Sewickley in 1981. She was a master at home management having a thorough understanding of fabrics, sewing, cooking, elegant entertaining, home maintenance and decorating. Using her home economics expertise, she designed and sewed intricate costumes for her children for their school drama productions. She was an assiduous cook, planning (with a full dry run the week before) and flawlessly executing dinner parties for friends and family.  She had a passion for fashion, horticulture, music - from symphonies to hymns, a balanced Chardonnay and a delicious chocolate chip cookie.  She enjoyed a thought-provoking book and diligently preparing remarks to share at her book clubs. Nancy was an avid athlete, which began in her 40’s, enjoying decades of tennis, paddle tennis, golf, bowling, skiing, and cheering on the pros as a spectator.

It was part of Nancy’s life’s purpose to serve her community which she did as President of the Avon Club, a women’s civic and beautification group in Ben Avon; as President of Shannopin Country Club’s Women’s Association, which planned social events for the weekends and holidays; and as a member of the Junior League of Pittsburgh, where she once performed as Peter Pan in their traveling troupe introducing live theater to students throughout Pittsburgh. Nancy was a member of Session of the Ben Avon Presbyterian Church, chairing the music committee. She was a member of the Ben Avon Heights Borough Council and chaired the recreational committee facilitating improvements to the community playground with the addition of a tennis court.  Nancy and Bill had the privilege of traveling internationally for educational and business networking opportunities as members of the Young President’s Organization (YPO) and then the World Business Organization, both global associations for business leaders.

Once Nancy and Bill moved to Sewickley, Nancy became involved in her new community as a member of the Little Garden Club, Allegheny Country Club, Edgeworth Club, and served as president of both the Village Garden Club and Women’s Club of Sewickley. As a devoted member of the Sewickley Presbyterian Church, she supported church projects including Day on the Lawn and Ladle and Hearth.  She was deeply blessed by the fellowship and prayer group, Koinonia. Personally, and through her family affiliation as a trustee of the Hansen Foundation, she perpetuated its mission rooted in the Biblical principles of giving and caring for others. She supported capital improvements made at the Samaritan Counseling Center and the Ambridge Center for Hope. She actively supported the W. Gregg Hansen Memorial Golf Outing providing scholarships for students at Sewickley Academy.

Like many from the Silent Generation, Nancy was a staunch USA patriot intent on keeping our US constitution intact, our freedoms defended, and conservative ideals of faith, family and liberty upheld.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Samaritan Counseling Center, 202 Beaver St., 3rd floor, Sewickley, PA 15143.

On Saturday, July 1, 2023, The Presbyterian Church of Sewickley will host visitation with the family beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Robinson Room followed by a memorial service held in their sanctuary at 11:00 a.m. The Presbyterian Church of Sewickley is located at 414 Grant St., Sewickley, PA 15143. Arrangements entrusted to R.D. Copeland Funeral Home, Irvine Chapel, Sewickley.

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