The world lost one of the most beautiful souls on April 22, 2016, with the passing of Karen Lee Hanson, age 67 of West Hartford, CT from a long, yet brave battle with myelofibrosis. Karen grew up in West Hartford, attended Conard High School and received her Bachelor's degree from Western Kentucky University. Upon graduation, she began her career as a teacher in Appalachia, Kentucky. She touched and influenced the lives of many children not only as a teacher, but also by opening her beautiful home as a daycare provider. Always seeking the beauty in life, she found passion in her decorating, her love of literature and film, and in sharing the musical talents of those who were close to her. Karen's family and friends meant the world to her and brought a significant amount of comfort during the time of her illness. She leaves behind her father, Raymond Hanson, of Shelburne Falls, MA; her two children, Heather Hearion LaCasse of West Hartford, and David Austin Veslocki of Rye, New York; two cherished grandchildren, Olivia and Drew LaCasse, her sisters, Krystyn Kelley of Bailey Island, Maine, Lisa Hanson Picard of Middletown, CT, Cécile Audette of Baltimore, Maryland; brothers-in law, Dana Kelley and Jim Audette; nephew, Michael Picard; and niece, Renée Audette. She was predeceased by her mother, Jessie Hanson (Cesidia DiPillo) of West Hartford and her step-mother, Anne Koscielny Hanson of Shelburne Falls, MA. The family would like to express gratitude to Karen's doctors and healthcare providers who showed an extraordinary amount of compassion throughout her journey. Visiting hours will be held at the Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford on Friday, April 29, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. A church service and Celebration of Life will be held at the Covenant Congregational Church, 1 Westminster Drive, West Hartford on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Memorial donations can be made to the Salvation Army, The Right Place Community School for Young Children ,123 Sigourney Street, Hartford, CT 06105. Contributions will directly support literacy and art programs for underserved children. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.