Carol Olivia Hanson

Carol Hanson, née Lindquist, of Park Ridge, passed away as the beloved wife of Richard G. Hanson and the loving mother of Lynn (Brian) Haschak, Christine (fiancé Aaron Cantway) Hannon, and Laura (Frank) Schmidt. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Melissa and Matthew Haschak, Declan and Braden Hannon, and Frank, Adam, and Zackary Schmidt.

Carol loved her family above all else. When her first grandchild, Melissa, was little, the two hosted many tea parties under the dining room table, gatherings that followed one strict rule: no one else was allowed. Matthew later gave her the nickname “Gammers,” which quickly became part of the family vocabulary, often followed by a cheerful “Oh, Gammers!” Each grandchild shared special traditions with her, from “boys only” sleepovers that the grandsons still recall fondly to the Swedish rendition of “Happy Birthday” she sang over the phone on every birthday.

She loved to travel and created countless memories on family trips, including Disney cruises and vacations across Europe. Disney World held a special magic for her, and family vacations often coincided with her grandson Zack’s birthday, turning the trips into annual celebrations. A proud graduate of Northwestern University, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Carol enjoyed debating colleges and ideas with her grandson Frankie. Adam was always ready to defend her, whether she deserved it or not. Within the family she earned the nickname “The Oracle.” She had a sharp eye and an even sharper mind, editing everything and insisting that every claim needed three verifiable sources before it could be trusted.

Carol enjoyed relaxing with a glass of wine or a margarita when the weather was warm, especially during the family’s lively Easter gatherings.