Donna L. Rossi-Hanson

Donna L. Rossi-Hanson, 1963-2019. With broken hearts we announce the passing of Donna, much adored wife of Art Hanson. Donna died peacefully with her American and Canadian family by her side on Tuesday, January 8th.

Donna was born on February 20th in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. She was the 6th child of immigrants from northern Italy. Donna was predeceased by her parents Angela and Clio, brother Renato, and most recently by ‘fasha’ Tom Hanson.

Donna had finally found her bliss with a man who swept her off her feet in a case of ‘love at first sight’. Art took Donna to Texas and she found a ready made family of daughters and grandchildren, making her an instant “nonna”. Sadly, Art and Donna only had ten years, oh but what a decade.

Donna traveled the world with her husband as his work took them to the four corners of the planet. Donna was fond of saying that “home is where the Art is”.

Donna embraced the American way and was a natural when it came to handling a gun. She didn’t enjoy hunting but was spot on with target practice.

In Texas, she is survived by Art and his daughters, Cricket (Vince), Jamie (Coleman), Sissy (Jason), and grandchildren Britney, Nicholas, Bonnie, Katie and Kayl.

In Canada she is survived by her siblings, Beatrice (Stephen), Cristiana (Paul), Lawrence (Helen), and Romana (Grant) in Australia. Also missing her are nieces and nephews, Alexandra, Matthew, Desmond, Max, and Mia. She also leaves behind many lifelong friends.

Donna was authentically kind and generous and had a special place in her heart for those who life had knocked about. Her empathy knew no bounds.

A celebration of our remarkable girl will take place at a future date.

Heartfelt thanks to Dr Heung and the palliative care team at MD Anderson for their care in the last days of Donna’s life. We will remain forever grateful to the extraordinarily compassionate Dr Marina George.

“She knew no strangers”