TURNER – Annie H. Hanson, 89, passed away on Nov. 24, at her home on the Stone Road in Turner. Annie was born on April 1, 1929, at the family farm in Macwahoc Plantation, to Thomas Caron (Coro) and Cora Belyea (Blier) Caron.

The youngest of 14 children, Annie had the unique distinction of having nieces and nephews older than she. Annie lost her father in 1936 when she was but seven years old. Shortly thereafter, she, her mother and siblings moved to Lewiston as they were unable to continue maintaining the family farm.

In 1945, Annie left school at the age of 16 to work at the Androscoggin Mill on Canal Street to help her mother with the payments on the family home in Lewiston. In 1949, Annie met James H. Hanson Sr. at the T Foshay Dance Hall in Lewiston where James was performing with the band. They began their more than 67 years of marriage in October of 1950, first living in Auburn before building their home on Route 4 in Turner next to their business, Hanson Auto Sales, in 1953-54. The two also built a camp in 1968 on Little Wilson Pond, a summer cottage that served as a backdrop for countless family memories, first for their children and later their grandchildren. In 1995 they built their current residence on the Stone Road in Turner.

One of the founding members of St. Philip Catholic Church in Auburn, Annie was happiest while serving others and making time for her family. She spent many hours helping James build the family car business while always finding time to care for her children. She truly enjoyed transporting Jim, Tom and Linda, along with their numerous teammates and friends, to their various athletic contests and events.

She also loved gardening in all forms, cultivating berries and raising her flowers and vegetables from seed, first for practical reasons, then later for the sheer enjoyment of the process. Taking after her mother’s example, Annie’s home was always open to any and all in the community. She enjoyed family gatherings, welcoming the opportunity to create a meal for the group, no matter how large. Whether it was her own lasagna recipe or the labor intensive Lithuanian klaskis that she made on the most special of occasions, her family will always remember the joy it brought “Grammy Annie” to share a meal with her extended family.

Upon James’ retirement from the business, Annie and he began spending winters in Florida, first in Marion Oaks near Belleview, then later in Englewood. They enjoyed life as residents of the Sunshine state for more than 20 years, especially their time as season pass holders at one of Florida’s most famous family attractions, Silver Springs. She and James returned to Turner in 2014 to be nearer to their family full time.

Annie is survived by her son, James Hanson Jr. and his wife, Kathy of Turner, son, Thomas Hanson and his wife,  Claire of Fayette, daughter, Linda Hanson of Auburn; grandchildren, James H. Hanson III of Livermore, Jayson Hanson of Lewiston, Jennie Hanson and her husband, Brian Hodgman of Sabattus, Jared Hanson and his wife, Kerissa of Minot, Jordan Hanson and his wife, Jennifer of Buckfield, Laura Wolgin and her husband, Michael of Apex, N.C., and Rachel Groenhout and her husband, Erik of Mount Vernon; great-grandchildren, Hailey, Maxwell, Makenzie, Carter and Mason Hanson; Mia, Lila and Milo Wolgin; and Willow and Hazel Groenhout. She was predeceased by her husband, James H. Hanson Sr.; and her siblings: Mildred Rosebush, Paul Caron, Lawrence Ayotte, Dennis Caron, Kay Pratt, Matthew Coro, Helen Leavitt, Maurice Caron, Cecile Leblanc, Agnes Grimmel, Alvina Biron, Cora Tremblay and Mary Archibald.

The Hanson family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Jennifer Therriault and the entire staff at “Elite Homecare” for the wonderful assistance Annie received during her final months.

A “Celebration of Annie’s Life” will be held at the family property in Turner in the spring/summer of 2019. Arrangements by FINLEY FUNERAL HOME, 15 Church Street, Livermore Falls. Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.finleyfuneralhome.com