Mary Jo Hansell
September 07, 2015
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Service Details
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.
Gerald & Cheryl
09/13/2015
Marion, So sorry to hear about Mary Jo passing. We were remembering your visit with us in Florida and how much we enjoyed Mary Jo and you. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Vicky Daniel
09/13/2015
Marion- I am so sorry to read about Mary Jo's passing. I knew her many years ago when she lived on Hull Ave. and I remember her as a smiling, upbeat gal with a great personality. My thoughts are with you.
Ruth Gear
09/12/2015
So sorry for your loss. Mary Jo was such a beautiful person! We met years ago when she was my entry educator at the hospital. She always remembered my name and said Hi when we passed each other in the hallway. She had a great smile and infectious laugh! Bless your family at this difficult time.
Cathy Garrett
09/12/2015
Nursing has lost one of the most outstanding educators and nursing care givers. I was honored to work with Mary for many years. Her bright smile and laugh were very infectious. She will be missed.
Cindy Carlson
09/12/2015
Marion, my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.So sorry to hear of Mary Jo's passing.
Jill Olson
09/12/2015
I knew Mary Jo through some professional seminars. Her energy was contagious. I found myself drawn to her. She radiated a positive attitude, with the goal of lifting up people. We were planning on lunch and more time together, when she returned from her trip with Marion. I am shocked at the loss of such a kind person. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mary C McCarthy
09/12/2015
Dear Family of Mary Jo, My condolences. I knew Mary Jo from nursing education conferences and liked to sit with her at lunch. We had fun discussions about professional issues, family, vacations, and shopping in the hospital gift shop!
Your loss is shared by many. Take care - grief is a roller coaster. Mary C. McCarthy, Coralville, Iowa
Mike & Mary Richards
09/12/2015
Dude & family, We will all sorely miss that spark of light & joy that Mary Jo produced whenever and wherever we were together!! Love & prayers to all....Mike & Mary
Randy & Diane(Roberts) Mick
09/12/2015
Blessed to have known Mary Jo and the rest of the Broerman family. Always so positive, upbeat, & joyous. Mary Jo was one in a million with an infectious laugh. Please know our thoughts & prayers are with your family during such a difficult time.
Ellen Reiley
09/12/2015
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Mary Jo. I think anyone that lived in Oskaloosa knew the Broerman family and interacted with them in some way over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Debbie Brady Shellady
09/11/2015
I look at this beautiful photo and think that this cannot be possible. I remember the first time I met Beck and Mary Jo. Mother Jo dropped them off at St. Mary's School (around 1960 in the blue Ford Station Wagon). I don't remember Patty being with them at that time. Mary Jo and Beck had long blonde braids...kinda Little House on the Prairie like with sparkling blue, but devilish eyes. I knew that they would be my friends for a very long time.
Mary Jo was one of a kind, one in a million, a very special person.
The sky will shine a bit brighter tonight with a new, fabulously brilliant star. Shine on Mary Jo.
Debra VanRees
09/11/2015
So sorry to read this sad news. I have so many fond memories of her in junior and senior high. Prayers to all of her family.
ChuckandJacquie Mick
09/11/2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jo and family. Our son Randy was in her class in high school and she will be missed by all, and will not be forgotten. God Bless!
Sandy Petersen
09/11/2015
I am so sorry for your loss. Mary Jo's laughter, sense of humor and general positive nature was such a blessing. She was and still is an inspiration to many of us. God Bless.
Tim Rietz
09/11/2015
Marion, I am very sorry. I have great memories of laughing with Mary Jo many years ago in Mexico. Even in the short time I knew her it was apparent she was truly one-of-a-kind.