Mary Jo Hansell
September 07, 2015
Mary Jo Hansell, 63, passed away September 7, 2015. Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA with visitation on Monday, September 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. and the service on Tuesday, September 15 at 4:00 p.m.
Mary Jo was born December 19, 1951 to Helen (Sawin) and Leo Broerman. She graduated from Oskaloosa High School in 1970, Iowa Methodist School of Nursing in 1973, The University of St. Francis – Joliet, IL in 1979, and earned her Master’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1987. In 1986 she married Marion Ivan Hansell.
Mary Jo LOVED spending time with family and friends, traveling and shopping. She spent her 43 year career at UnityPoint where she touched countless lives as a nurse and educator. Mary Jo instilled happiness in others with her quick smile and infectious laugh. She was a shining example of how we should treat each other with her positive attitude and outgoing personality.
She will be greatly missed by her husband, Marion “Dude” Hansell of Des Moines; daughter, Amanda Jo (Mihalovich) Downs; son-in-law, Brian Downs; grandson, Hayden Downs; all of Urbandale; her mother, Helen Jo Broerman of Oskaloosa; sisters, Patty (Jeff) Turner of Des Moines, Becky Broerman of Des Moines; and nephew, Todd Hansell. Mary Jo was preceded in death by her father, Leo Broerman; and parents-in-law, Arlene and Ivan Hansell.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Creutzfeldt Jakob’s Disease research www.cjdfoundation.org. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Denice Smith
09/17/2015
I am so sorry for your loss. MaryJo was an entity at UPH! She will be greatly missed!
Chris and Sheryl Bakkie
09/15/2015
Marion - You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this dificult time. We will miss Mary Jo's beautiful smile and laugh, but find comfort that we will see her again in the future. God Bless All.
The Denburger family
09/15/2015
We share in your sadness at this time. Mary Jo's contagious laugh and love of life impressed us all. We grew up together with your family in Osky and then Joan, had the opportunity to cross paths with Mary Jo again at Unity Point. Heaven has just become more joyful with her presence. We are all thinking of you. Blanche, Linda, Doug,Joan and families.
Jeanne and Larry Cotter
09/15/2015
Marion, we are so sorry for your loss. Mary Jo's laugh will forever remain in our heart. God Bless.
Al & Georgianne Hornocker
09/15/2015
Amanda: So sorry to hear about your mom. We have known you two since you were a little girl. You and our daughters were in daycare together. Al and I had many interactions over the year with your mom at work. She was a great lady and touched so many people's lives at the hospital. Such a great legacy for her to leave. Prayers to your family
Kate Benson Larson
09/14/2015
Dear Marian, Amanda and family--Mary Jo became a friend to me when I joined the Iowa Methodist "family" in 1986. She sparkled, she was vivacious, professional and so much fun. She knew how to be a friend and we kept in touch even with career changes. Thank you for loving Mary Jo--she loved you dearly. We grieve with you. She is a heavenly angel!
Jill Ahn
09/14/2015
When I met Mary Jo at orientation, I was completely captivated by her sparkling aura. In her classes, she inspired me to be a better person. You could not leave her presence without feeling more courageous. What a blessing for all of us to have known such a precious soul.
Allison Welty
09/14/2015
I first met Mary Jo on orientation day, six years ago. She made such a positive impression on me. I was anxious to start my job in a company that would choose a wonderful, caring, prepared person to get us all off on the right foot. I had a couple more occasions to visit with her and took a class she led. My condolences to the family and friends.
Mark Conley
09/14/2015
Amanda & Marion--- My deepest sympathies on what I know must be an inestimable loss. Mary Jo left a imprint on many hearts and minds ---mine included. I will always remember her kindness, one of kind laugh, joyful spirit, and amazing hospitality. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Cindy Kail
09/14/2015
My heart aches for you. I have worked with Mary Jo in the past 5 years on just a few projects, and yet it feels like I have known her all my life. She had a unique way of making every single person feel like a special friend. Her constant upbeat nature endeared her to all who had the privilege to come in contact with her. While we mourn her loss, Heaven is rejoicing at her arrival. It will not be "business as usual" in Heaven with Mary Jo there. Happy the day when we join her in the Golden Streets. My deepest sympathies to you.
IHE Board by Carol A. Yenger
09/14/2015
On behalf of the entire Iowa Healthcare Educators membership group of the Iowa Hospital Association, we send you our sympathy and prayers. Mary Jo was an active member of the Board and she will be missed by many. Her passion, dedication, and compassion was evident in serving others and the membership.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Howard & Susanne Elson
09/14/2015
Marion, we were so impressed by Mary Jo even though we only met
her once. A lovely Lady.
SADYE JONES FRISTO
09/13/2015
JO BROERMAN,
I AM SO SORRY TO LEARN OF YOUR DAUGHTER'S PASSING. I WAS THE 2ND GRADE TEACHER OF AMANDA AND I REMEMBER YOU SO WELL. I PRAY GOD'S CONFORT FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY DURING THIS TIME OF BEREAVEMENT.
Lynn Edwards Kendall
09/13/2015
Dear Jo and Family,
Susie Newman forwarded news of Mary Jo to me. Please know that my heart is heavy and sad for you and all of your family. I'm sending you a long distance hug.
Jim & Dixie Linkey
09/13/2015
So sorry to hear about Mary Jo! You are in our thoughts and prayers!