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.
Chris Hackney
09/10/2015
So sad to hear about Mary Jo this morning. We worked together many years ago on Younker 5 at Methodist. Loved her joy of life and her sweet personality. I hope you know how many people cared for her.
Steve Pohlmeyer
09/10/2015
Mary Jo truly had an incredible soul. She lit up any room she was in at UnityPoint. Her smile and laugh were infectious. She ALWAYS had a positive outlook on life. This is a huge loss for the many, many people touched by Mary Jo.
Linda Brady
09/10/2015
My heart is breaking. I was so blessed to have that sweet soul in my life. Mary Jo, you were so kind and gentle - you will make an excellent angel. You have been practicing for 63 years!
Debbie Wade
09/10/2015
Marion, Amanda and family. There are no words to express my sorrow and sadness over the loss of such a beautiful person. Every time I saw her it was such a joy. I just regret the promises of getting together for dinner just never happened and it makes me so sad all over. I can honestly say that Mary Jo was one of the most beautiful people I have ever met and known. Never a harsh word about anything or anyone. She was so upbeat and so enjoyed life. I am sincerely going to miss her and her radiant smile. Heaven received a beautiful ANGEL. I will miss her so... God bless you all and ALL of my thoughts and prayers are with you.
rodger and patricia loudon
09/10/2015
Marion we are very sorry to hear of your loss. We just meet Mary Jo a couple of times but she seemed liked she really enjoyed life. Our thoughts are with your family at this time.
Pamela Morris
09/10/2015
Patty-
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Linda Ver Steeg
09/09/2015
Mary Jo touched so many at Unity Point, including me. We enjoyed a brief shopping excursion during a meeting downtown and learned to tie scarves while working at Methodist West. Both occasions mixed with much laughter. After I left Des Moines it was fun to see Mary Jo at meetings back in Des Moines. May God's comfort and peace be yours at this time of loss in your family, but please be sure she was a special person to many and thanks for sharing her with us. It was a privilege to have known her.
michael hodoly
09/09/2015
She was my sister in law at one time.A tragic loss. She was full of life.Go with god Mary jo
Sarah Pandullo
09/09/2015
I met Mary Jo when I started 20 years ago. I had the honor and privilege to be her co-worker. She was someone I would always confide in and ask for advice. Her smile could light up anyone. She never knew a stranger. She will be missed.
Cheryl Hoeg
09/09/2015
It was truly a blessing for everyone of us who work/worked at Unity Point to have met Mary Jo! Such a great lady! My heart goes out to all of you.
Emily McMillen
09/09/2015
Mary Jo, I will miss your smile and laugh so much! You were my coworker and friend. Truly one in a million! My sincere thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
Dennis Goad Sr.
09/09/2015
Mary Jo had an infectious laugh. She was easy to spot in a crowd despite her being " longitudinally challenged". Although I had not seen her in many, many years, you would not have known it when we ran into each other at the Civic Center. I heard that laugh before the show started and jokingly told her to quiet down. We talked like we had seen each other just the week before. Honestly, there was a disturbance in the force, when she flew from her human bonds. I didn't see her often but I will often will miss her. Rest in peace Mary Jo.
Melissa Scaparro
09/09/2015
Prayers to Mary Jo's family. She will be missed. She was one of my favorite parts of working at UnityPoint. I loved seeing her. Always a smile for everyone!
Pete & Kay Hayworth
09/09/2015
Dear Marion, Amanda & Brian. We are so sorry for your loss. Such a tragedy for Mary Jo to have this awful disease. We pray for your comfort and peace... knowing you did all you could while she was so sick. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
BW and Judy king
09/09/2015
so sorry for your loss, we are sending our thoughts and prayers long distance .. Please know that memories will always be in your hearts, and that beautiful angel will be watching over you..