Elaine Marie Hansen, age 93, of Plainwell, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2026, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, surrounded by the love of her family.

Elaine was born on January 19, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, to Samuel and Martha Clauson. She was raised in Chicago alongside her sisters, Marilyn and Carol, where she developed the kind, generous spirit that would define her throughout her life.

Elaine later married the love of her life, Stanley Hansen. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service, raising their three sons, Daniel, Mark, and Tim, before making Southwest Michigan their home. Elaine and Stanley shared more than 50 years of marriage, creating a lifetime of memories surrounded by children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

A woman of unwavering faith, Elaine was a devoted member of St. Margaret Catholic Church. Her faith was reflected not only in worship but in the way she cared for others. She generously gave her time volunteering with Christian Neighbors, Loaves & Fishes, hospice organizations, and numerous community programs serving the Plainwell and Otsego area. She believed that even the smallest act of kindness could make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.

Elaine also dedicated more than 25 years of her career to the Plainwell Paper Mill. Following her retirement, she devoted herself even more fully to serving others, finding great purpose in giving back to her community.

Above all else, Elaine treasured her family. She loved being a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, finding joy in every opportunity to gather with those she loved. She enjoyed exploring new places, trying new restaurants, preparing delicious meals, and spending time in nature. Whether around the dinner table or on an afternoon adventure, Elaine had a gift for making everyone feel welcomed, cared for, and loved.

Elaine is survived by her children, Daniel Hansen, Mark Hansen, and Tim Hansen; grandchildren, Sarah Hansen and Selena Jepkema; great grandchildren, Angel Miller, Gabe Miller, Willow Jepkema, Isaac Jepkema, Ryker Jepkema, Skyla Jepkema, Gracie Jepkema, and Evelyn Holdridge; sister, Carol Nathan; and many extended family members and dear friends who will cherish her memory.

Elaine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Stanley Hansen; her parents, Samuel and Martha Clauson; her sister, Marilyn; her grandson, Joshua Jepkema; and daughter-in-law, Rhonda Hansen.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 500 E. Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, MI 49079. A luncheon will immediately follow at the Knights of Columbus. Family and relatives are invited to gather after the luncheon for a private graveside service at Lawrence Veterans Cemetery on Butcher Road in Lawrence, Michigan.

Elaine’s legacy of faith, compassion, and quiet generosity will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched. Her kindness, servant’s heart, and love for her family will be remembered always by those fortunate enough to know her.