JoAnn Marie Hansen—loving wife and mother, generous spirit, and kindhearted friend to all—died after a brief illness on May 25, 2024, at Hartford Hospital. She was 66.

Born in Burlington, Vermont on June 2, 1957, JoAnn was the beloved daughter of the late Leo and Muriel (Langevin) Moreau. As a young girl, her family moved to Stratford where she was raised and attended school. JoAnn had always possessed a keen intellect and she used her abilities to obtain a bachelor’s degree in social work from Sacred Heart University and later a master’s degree in clinical social work from Fordham University. For many years, JoAnn served as a clinical program director for various organizations which helped provide countless children and families with specialized treatment. Dedicated to continuing her ambition to help others heal through one-on-one treatment, she most recently established Therapy Enlightenment—her own private practice where she assisted every person she met with kindness, respect, and genuine empathy.

A true family woman, JoAnn recently met the love of her life—Harry P. Hansen—in 2016. From the moment they met, they spent every moment of each day loving each other with all their heart. They greatly enjoyed traveling to nearby hotspots on Cape Cod and the Connecticut shoreline or spending time outdoors tending to the garden. No matter the activity, if they were together, they were complete.

JoAnn loved the outdoors and immersing herself in nature and was an amazing cook and baker—able to put together recipes from scratch! She found great peace in reading and knitting, and always enjoyed hosting friends and family for time together. JoAnn loved her world and the people she shared it with; she never complained and always thought about others before herself. Her passing leaves a hole in many hearts that can never be filled. She was truly a gift to all who were fortunate enough to have her in their lives, and she will forever be missed and remembered as a saintly, unwavering friend that dedicated her life to helping others.

JoAnn is survived by her cherished husband, Harry P. Hansen; her adored children, Jonathan Kopec and Alana Kopec (Wayne Henderson); her brothers, Ronald “Ronny” Moreau, Richard “Ricky” Moreau, and James “Jimmy” Moreau, her sister, Madonna Rhatigan; her stepchildren, Maegan, Judith, Emily, and Erich; her longtime dear friend she loved as closely as family, Theodore “Ted” Kopec; and many beautiful nieces, nephews, and friends. She is also survived by her two precious pups—Mandy and Gracie. In addition to her parents, JoAnn was predeceased by her brother, Thomas "Tommy" Moreau.

A private Celebration of Life ceremony for JoAnn will be held at a future date. Her family would like to express their sincere gratitude for all the compassionate medical staff and caregivers involved in making her as comfortable and peaceful as possible during her treatment, and for truly going above and beyond in their kindhearted and thorough care. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations in JoAnn’s memory may be made to the Hartford Hospital Foundation, Dept. of Philanthropy, 80 Seymour St., P.O. Box 5037, Hartford, CT 06102.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of JoAnn M. (Moreau) Hansen, please visit our Tree Store.