WHITEFIELD and BANGOR – Susan Small Hanson, 54, died unexpectedly March 18, 2012, at her home in Whitefield. She was born Nov. 21, 1957, in Bangor, the daughter of Mary L. (Mehann) Small and George W. Small.
She grew up in Bangor and graduated from Bangor High School in 1976. She then attended the University of Maine, graduating from the University of Southern Maine in May 1991 with a Bachelor of Social Work. Susan had been employed by the office of Child and Family Services, Department of Health and Human Services, for more than 20 years, and at the time of her death, she held the position of permanency supervisor. In 1997 she was honored to be named Caseworker of the Year.
Surviving in addition to her mother, Mary L. Small of Bangor, are her husband of 22 years, Walter K. Hanson; her beloved daughter, Kay G. Hanson, both of Whitefield; her sister, Karen J. Small of South Portland; cousins, Mary and Jean Hillier of New Hampshire and Harriet Martino of Branford, Conn., and their families; mother-in-law, Jane Hanson of Hampden; a brother-in-law, William Hanson and his wife, Peggy; a sister-in-law, Rachel and her husband, Jeffrey Rawcliffe, all of Hampden; numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father, George W. Small in May 1989. Susan’s passing leaves a hole for many. She was known as a very loving and caring person who always had the best interest of others in mind.
Relatives and friends are invited to call 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 22, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Friday, March 23, at Hammond Street Congregational Church, with the Rev. Dr. Mark Doty, pastor, officiating. Spring interment will be at Lawndale Cemetery, Old Town. Those wishing to remember Susan in a special way may contribute in her memory to the Kay Hanson Educational Fund, care of Karen J. Small, 15 Lawn Ave., South Portland, ME 04106. Condolences to the family may be expressed at
www.BrookingsSmith.com.