Rosemary Hansen

Rosemary (Haag) Hansen

A Life of Strength, Loyalty, and Love

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Rosemary Hansen, who left us on October 14th, at the age of 83. She was a devoted wife, stepmother, and friend—steady, capable, and kind. Rosemary lived a life built on responsibility, loyalty, and care for others.

Born on August 8, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, Rosemary grew up in Spring Brook, Wisconsin, where she learned the value of hard work and teamwork—becoming quarterback of her grade school’s football team, picking beans with her brother Carl and cousin Fred, and beginning her lifelong devotion to the Green Bay Packers.

Her career began at Minnegasco in Minneapolis and later took her to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where she managed customer service for Pennsylvania Gas and Water Company. In 1978, she married David Hansen and moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where her work with Shoney’s South, Inc. and the League of Women Voters sparked her lasting interest in politics. She later cared for her parents before retiring with David to Fountain Hills, Arizona, in 1997.

Rosemary never stopped learning or contributing. She worked with Talbots, Coach, and Sundance, and made lifelong friends along the way. Deeply engaged in her community, she served as President of the local Republican Club, attended the Republican National Convention, and was honored as Republican of the Year in 2020. She was known for her optimism, energy, and strong organizational skills.

Faith grounded her life. She was an active member of St. Anthony’s Episcopal Church, where she found comfort and purpose. She loved to travel, plan family ski trips, and visit relatives in Chicago and Milwaukee. Most of all, she cherished her time with family.

Rosemary is survived by stepchildren David (Deborah), Cindy (Todd) Jafvert, and Stephen (Donna); grandchildren Lindsay (Michael), Stephanie (Brandon), Melissa, Donald, Justin (Madeleine), Dylan, and Tyler; and great-grandchildren Benjamin, Isabella, Zachary, Isadora, Leah, and Luke:nieces Margie Trull, Leslie Richardson and Cindy Steffen. She was preceded in death by her husband David, brother Carl, and parents Karl and Rose.

A service celebrating her life will be held on December 12th at St. Anthony’s Episcopal Church in Scottsdale, followed by burial at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Anthony’s Church, a place close to Rosemary’s heart.

Rosemary will be remembered for her kindness, her determination, and the strength she brought to every part of her life.