Susan Jane Hansen

Susan Jane Hansen passed away suddenly and too soon on Friday, July 22, 2016. Though the loss of such a beautiful, kind soul at such a young age is devastating to her family, it was a blessing that her last evening was spent in the home of her sister and brother-in-law, having dinner with them, her brother and mother in Colorado. Susan was born and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It was clear from a young age that she was uncommonly bright and creative. These talents helped her to excel at University of South Dakota and, later, in law school at Oklahoma City University where she was a Law Review editor. She went on to practice law with McKinney Stringer before going to work for the Federal Court as a law clerk to Judge David L. Russell. Susan was a clerk in Judge Russell's chambers for 25 years and was admired by all who worked with her for her drive and incomparably analytical mind. In spite of her demanding and successful career, Susan's talents and activities extended far beyond her work. She was a naturally gifted artist, and loved to draw animals, particularly big cats. She made everything she touched as beautiful as she was: from her elegant and bold style, to her artwork, to the home that she decorated with such impeccable taste and loved to host in. Curious and adventuresome, Susan loved to travel, and spent much of her retirement seeing the world. When she wasn't globe-trotting, Susan read voraciously and was an ardent fan of OU football and Thunder basketball. She loved playing games, particularly Rumikub, which she spent hours playing with her mother every Sunday, and bridge, which she had taken up with some of her beloved "Girls Night Out" friends. She was a fighter, fierce competitor and loved to win, but there was never a more tender and sensitive heart. She cared with deep compassion and love for her friends, family, daughter—Natalie—and cats, Zoe and Mouse. Susan was also a very reflective and spiritual woman and her faith in God brought her great comfort. She lit up every room with her warmth, brilliant smile, eccentric humor and unforgettable, infectious laugh. Susan will be missed deeply and remembered with the utmost fondness by the many whose lives she touched. She is preceded in death by her father, Oswald "Ozzie" Hansen. Susan is survived by her mother, Iola Hansen of Oklahoma City, her daughter, Natalie Rahhal of Brooklyn, New York, her sister, Barbara Dash and husband Ed Dash, and brother, Terry Hansen, all of Colorado, niece, Susan Coult of Chanhassen, Minnesota, and daughter's father, Don Rahhal of Oklahoma City. A service in Susan's honor will be held in Crossings Community Church's chapel at 1 pm on Monday, August first. Following the service, there will be a reception at Smith and Kernke Funeral home's May Avenue location.