Gail Paulson-Hanson Obituary

Gail Anita Paulson-Hanson departed this life on August 8th, 2023. Her spirit reunited with her late husband Harry Hanson, her beloved parents Hazel and Cyril Paulson, and other loved ones who have gone to the paradise of heaven. Gail fought courageously against kidney cancer for four years, until she couldn't fight any longer. In her final weeks, Gail embraced the process of dying with dignity, strength and peace.

She was born on a Saturday in September of 1953, in Norfolk, Virginia. Her parents were from Minnesota, with family ties to the midwestern US. The family moved back to MN when Cyril retired from the Navy. Gail grew up in the land of 10,000 lakes, playing and biking with her siblings Peggy, Doug, and Mark.

After Gail graduated from Coon Rapids High School in 1970, she moved to Colorado. She first lived in Estes Park, then Breckenridge, and finally in Vail where she was a ski hostess and adventurer. She went back to MN and graduated from St. Cloud State University with a major in Outdoor Recreation and a minor in Finance.

When Harry met Gail, sparks flew. They happily married in 1982. Taylor, their first son, was born in September of 1985 and their second son, Jordan, was born in May of 1988. Their youngest daughter, Nicole, was born in 1992 after the family relocated from Minnesota to New Mexico where they started their next chapter in ownership of a car dealership. Regretfully, Harry passed away from prostate cancer in 2009. In 2018, Gail and her family discovered that Harry had a beautiful daughter who he didn't know about, Maria Meyer, born in New Orleans in 1967. The two families quickly welcomed each other into their lives.

Gail was a beacon of kindness. She exuded a warmth and a bright light that will last forever. She selflessly offered comfort and solace to those in need. Her presence in the four-corners region was incredibly impactful. She was a co-owner of Hanson Honda with her late husband, Harry, for 25 years in Farmington, NM and ran it with business savvy and grace. Her circle of friends and acquaintances are a testament to her ability to forge deep, lasting connections and strong ties to her community.

In the end, we all become stories. Gail's stories live on through all of us who remember her: Peggy Burnet (sister), Doug Paulson (brother), Taylor Hanson (son), Jordan Hanson (son), Nicole Hanson-Riley (daughter), Tristan Hanson-Riley (son-in-law), Maria Meyer (step daughter), Greg Meyer (son-in-law), Amanda, Rachel, and Dylan Meyer (step-grandchildren). Gail was a loving sister, mother, wife, grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, and friend to many. To all of us blessed to know Gail, know too that her deep spiritual beliefs made her departure from this life just a 'goodbye for now'.

Her family is hosting a Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 9th, 2023 in Durango, CO. If you would like to celebrate Gail with us, please email [email protected] for the details to attend the service. "Rest in peace, dear soul. Your legacy will forever be a source of comfort and inspiration to us all." In lieu of flowers, please donate to https://everloved.com/life-of/gail-paulson-hanson/