Susan Hanson

Susan Tennes Hanson, of Shorewood, Wisconsin, died on April 24, 2024. Su was born in Chicago and grew up in Illinois and Indiana, the eldest sister to siblings Patty, Chuck, and Loretta. 

Su was a proud graduate of Mount Mary University, where she made lifelong friends and developed her love of literature and art. She was a talented artist and brought her creativity to multiple pursuits over the course of her life: painting and drawing, photography and films, sewing and needlepoint, journaling and interior design. 

After college, Su became an English teacher, her true passion and joy. She shared her love of Shakespeare and Greek mythology with thousands of students and connected with those young people who needed her most over a nearly four decade career at Cudahy High School. In 1972, the school was hiring for a new English teacher and Su said three words that would change her life, “hire the man.” That man was Lloyd Hanson, who would become her best friend, the love of her life, and her husband of 49 years. 

Su and Lloyd moved to Shorewood in 1977, where, according to Su, they raised three of the “best and brightest children on planet Earth": Brynn, Ann, and Jed. She adored the families they built with Gaetan, Chris, and Andrea, and embraced the role of “Nana” to grandchildren Benjamin, Helena, Kian, and Colden. The Tennes Hanson household was also home to the many dogs and cats Su adored and which brought her so much joy and comfort. She was a force, the center of gravity in her family. An excellent cook, the creator and keeper of traditions, a master of surprises.

She was in France during the moon landing, explored the English countryside with Lloyd, and rode a camel (mostly successfully) in the Sahara in retirement. She fostered this love of travel in her children, too, encouraging them each to study abroad in France and Costa Rica. She welcomed young people from around the world into her home, a second mom to foreign exchange sons Niklas (Sweden) and Wing (Thailand).  

She loved; she was loved; and she will be missed. 

A remembrance celebration is planned for July 20th, from 2:00 - 4:00pm at the Shorewood River Club, 3565 N. Morris Blvd, Shorewood, WI 53211. We will gather at 2:00 for refreshments and hors d'oeuvres, with a Celebration of Life starting at 2:30. There will be an opportunity for guests to share a story or memory of Su.