Octavia how are you today? "Passable, passable" she'd say. On a good day she'd give me a little grin on a tough day she remained stoic. Either way she conveyed so much and I knew I was lucky to be considered a friend. Octavia was brilliant, witty, patient as I learned pinochle, had a history that shaped her but not defined her. A true Alaskan treasure.

There have been many times I have thought of Octavia P. Hansen because she changed my life. I have often wanted to look her up and thank her for letting a 15 year old kid work for her because he wanted the motorcycle she had for sale but he didn't have the money to buy it. 47 years ago but I will never forget her for the events that that motorcycle created that led me to here.

As time passes both Ted and I (Dallas) have so many great memories of mother and so many great phrases we recall  she said. Late spring and summer in AK was her favorite time to sit outside, have a smoke and a drink, mow her lawn and work on her flower beds. She enjoyed her friends especially out at "Fish Camp or The Lodge." Now THOSE kinds of trips she absolutely loved! Thanks, Vicki!

My grandma was always
loving and was very strong emotionally and mentally. Even at such an older age she always had a powerful mind and always remembered us. Love you Grandma

Mrs. Hansen, as she was known to me, was my 6th grade teacher at Nordale School in 1962-63. I consider her my most influential teacher, as she pushed me to do more than I thought I could.  One did not slack off in her class!  Not only did I learn new “facts” but gained confidence in my abilities which served me well later in school, and still do to this day. (Belatedly) Thank You!