Jill Ellen Hansard
Jill Ellen Hansard
Jill was born on September 7, 1946, in Denver, CO, to Elwood and Ellen Daddow. Jill’s father was an Army officer, so the family moved around several times when she was young. Most moves were to places in the U.S. like Kansas and Wyoming. They did go overseas once and spent a couple of years in Japan. Jill was 6 and her sister Peggy was 2. Later, they settled in Lakewood, a suburb of Denver, where Jill started school, graduated from high school, and went to the University of Colorado for two years where she majored in English.
Jill moved to the Seattle area and worked as an accountant for a couple of auto dealerships where she met, and later married, David. She was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1992 and dealt with that, as well as bouts with three different cancers, for the next 29 years. She never complained and was an inspiration to everyone who met her. Her strong will and strong faith helped her look beyond any physical challenges that came along. She always had a wonderful attitude toward life and was always concerned about others. As a final example of that concern, she arranged to participate in the University of Washington’s brain donor program to help researchers find out more about the effects of, and possible cure for, M.S.
Family was always important to Jill. Hers was a big family of aunts, uncles, and cousins and, since the cousins had lived on the same block when they were young, were very close. As adults, they located in various states, including Colorado, Kansas, Arizona, Nevada and California. It was a blessing that she and David were able to make many trips to visit with those family members and share wonderful times and memories. The visits were road trips in their minivan and, as with everything else in her life, Jill handled the sometimes-arduous trips with her usual strength and positive attitude. As the M.S. progressed, however, she was no longer physically able to make the trips and missed seeing her loving extended family.
Jill peacefully passed away on March 24, 2021, at her home in Everett, WA, from complications due to her long fight with progressive Multiple Sclerosis. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband David Hansard, son Aaron McKee, stepdaughter Cindy Hansard, stepdaughter and son-in-law Michelle and Mathew Dockrey, sister Peggy Lang, three cousins, several nieces and nephews, her in-laws, her church family, and her many friends. We will cherish her memory and her thoughtful, loving soul for as long as we live!
Remembrances can be donated in Jill’s name to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at:
12 Responses to “Jill Ellen Hansard”
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Miss you Jill. The blessing of being your “sister” here on earth is one of my greatest life`s treasures..
I know you are dancing with the Angel’s and that brings comfort to my heart. We all miss you and you will always be with us in our hearts. We are watching over your David as promised. Shirley and Skip
I just want to say I love you. When we lost our mother, our anchor, we just drifted apart and I am so sad and miss you. I miss you even more now that I cannot pick up the phone and talk to you. I think back of all our years as children and young adults – we shared so many great times. I love you and know you are at peace.
Ah yes, will always miss that great smile and upbeat attitude. She brought sunshine to all who knew her. She was, in addition, surrounded by a fantastic caregiver. You both were so lucky to have each other. Her struggles are over and she now has the peace that she deserves. RIP
We will remember Jill for her indomitable spirit. The 2 weeks we spent together in Maui were very special. We went EVERYWHERE!
We will always getting busted by the condo security guard for rolling the dice too loud playing Yahtzee!
We also enjoyed her Christmas letters which she laboriously typed.
We will miss our dear friend, but are glad to see an end to that terrible disease she battled to the end.
More than anything else I think I’ll remember the inner Light that always seemed to be shining in Jill. There was a connection to something far beyond this realm we’ve been placed in and it was the source of great strength and deep peace. As her condition deteriorated, that Light never appeared to fade, but continued to shine as steadily and strongly as ever. A truly remarkable individual that I have learned much from. In gratitude to you, dear Jill – David Chrysler
Maureen and I met David and Jill through Barber shopping we had so many wonderful times together, Jill was always A joy to be around when it was discovered that she had MS we were devastated but Jill took it in her stride and never let it spoil her zest for life. In all of her years of suffering she never lost her sense of humor that was an inspiration to everyone around her. She will be sorely missed.
Jack and Maureen
Sending so much love to you David. Jill had a presence and a spirit that was unforgettable. I always loved how she showed so much care to my daughters, Claire and Amelia. Claire especially enjoyed her chats with Jill and all the cool hats she wore. May you feel the love from all of us.
Love, The Calderon Family
We will miss Jill so much. Her smile and laughter were so beautiful. I will remember how she and David came to Dana’s musical and how they supported our youth in the church. I remember when she and David were the VBS puppet mascot and how much the students enjoyed them. Sending love to David and family, The Brager Family
Jill was always loved by all of those who knew her. I’m happy she was part of our Cedar Cross UMC family for many years. She will always hold special place in our hearts. Blessings to David and family.
Love you Auntie Jill. You were the most kind soul and always had a smile and kind word for us all. I will miss you dearly but am glad you are at peace now. Until we meet again my sweet very loved Auntie.
Jim and I met Jill and David at the Ocean Shores United Methodist Church. They were a vital part of that church. We became fast friends there, and when they moved to Everett, we were able to visit them several times. Jill was always ready for visits, and we were usually laughing most of the time when we were together. She was always cheerful and made others feel good even if she didn’t. If she felt pain or was uncomfortable, she never showed it. She was an amazing person, and the fact that she loved the Lord shone through her. I always feel good when I remember our friendship and our good times together.
Every time we saw Jill she always had a smile on her face, an infectious smile. She was such a dear heart who had such a sweet voice, listened to you when you talked and offered her wise words. You just felt better being around her. Our thoughts and prayers to David and family.