Patricia M. Hanson

Patricia Hanson, 89, of Tinton Falls, passed away peacefully at home on July 15, 2023. Born in 1934 and raised in Rutherford, she graduated from Rutherford High School in 1951. She then attended Fairleigh Dickinson University and received an associate degree in 1953. Following college, Pat had a fulfilling career working for The New Jersey Bell Telephone Company. Pat married her high school sweetheart, William Thurston Cooper, and had two children – Gerry and Dana. While living in Rutherford, Pat focused on raising her family and volunteering with The Rutherford Women’s Club. She was a cornerstone member of her childhood community until 1975, when she moved to Ocean Township and was re-married to Charles David Hanson.

Pat and Dave shared a passion for travel and enjoyed many trips to Africa, Asia, and Europe. Pat loved collecting art and jewelry during her journeys. While living in Ocean Township, she was active in the Ocean Township Booster Club, the Monmouth University Library Association, and Monmouth Country Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

Above all, Pat loved her family and taking care of them was always her priority. She was a fixture at the sporting events of her children and later, grandchildren. Pat is fondly remembered by her family as a stickler for manners – elbows were never allowed on the table and she would be the first to notice when someone made a grammatical error. Although bothersome in the moment, her children and grandchildren are now thankful for her wise instruction and life lessons.

In addition to her family, Pat loved animals and had many beloved pets. A portrait of her perfectly groomed Cocker Spaniel, Buffy, remained by her bedside until her last days.

Pat’s warm and loving spirit will be missed by her friends and family. She is survived by her children – Gerry Cooper, his wife Patty, and Dana Nickel, and grandchildren – Trey, Michael, Anna, Grace, and Olivia. A private celebration of her life is being planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Monmouth County SPCA.