Irene Laverda Peterson was born September 23, 1919 at Cottonwood, South Dakota to Jacob Roger and Rena (Bettleyoun) Peterson.

She grew up with her many, beloved brothers and sisters.  She graduated from high school in Philip, South Dakota, May 1938.

She was united in marriage to Edwin Earl Hansen on June 20, 1938, in Murdo County, South Dakota.

Irene, Ed, and their two daughters, moved to California in 1942.  Ed worked for many years until retirement at Carnation Company in Los Angeles.  Irene's family and friends were always the center of her busy, happy life.

Her husband, Ed, preceded her in death on July 6, 1981.

Irene's love of children led her to work as a pre-school teacher at Westminster Child Center in Los Angeles, California for the last 16 years, where she was proud to be a part of the Westminster team.  She would frequently tell us about her "children".

Irene was very independent.  She learned to drive after Ed died.  She looked forward to every election, as she worked on many election boards.  She loved her garden, was an avid reader, and was a fan of country western music.  Irene's chuch home was St. Anthanasius Episcopal Church in Los Angeles, California, where she held chuch lay-positions.

Irene retired in June 1996.  She had cancer surgery in July and did not fully recover her strength.  Her health worsened and she was diagnosed with a rare form of respiratory vasculitis.  She was hospitalized from February 15, 1997 until she died on March 26, 1997.  She will be deeply missed by all of us.

Grateful for having shared her life are her daughters, Edyth Irvine and Barbara Smith; grandchildren: Karye, Kirk, Brenda, and Bonnie; great-grandchildren: Kirk, Jr., Christopher, Kirby, Krystle, and Trysten; brother, James Peterson and sisters, Virginia Barnes, Marcine Pipal, Eileen Brooks, Berdyne Parsons, Beatrice Ramsey, and Dorcas Cameron; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Preceding her in death are her brothers, Roger, Max, and Dale Peterson; sister, Vera Grable.  In addition, her brother, Edward Allen and sister, Drexl Kaye Peterson who died in infancy.  She is also preceded in death by her grandson, Kevin Andrew Irvine.

Irene has touched all of our lives with her generosity, caring, and love.  She leaves us with many happy memories that we will cherish.  She is loved by all of us.

Services
Wednesday, April 2, 1997
10:00 a.m.
Presbyterian Church
Kadoka, South Dakota

Officiating
Pastor Gary McCubbin
The Rev. Daniel H. MakesGood

Music
Marianne Frein (Irene's Niece) - Organist
Maureen Palecek - Vocalist
Brenda Smith (Irene's Granddaughter) - Piano Solo

Ushers
Jerry Cameron - Chuck Ramsey

Pallbearers
Edyth Irvine - Barbara Smith
Kenneth Irvine - Bradley Smith
Krik Irvine - Paul Hood
Raymond Lucero - Frank Parsons

Honorary Pallbearers
All relatives and friends in attendance

Interment
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota