Obituary of Lydia Nickoloff Hanson

 

Lydia passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of January 25, 2022 at Cerenity Long Term Care Center in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.

Born April 20^th in 1924 in Carteret, New Jersey to immigrant Russian and Ukrainian parents, she was the 6^th of 7 children.

Raised in New York City, the family lived a simple lifestyle. She graduated from high school at the age of 17, became a secretary and multi-language interpreter. With several of her sisters, she was a member of a singing and dance troupe which one time performed at Carnegie Hall.

In 1941 she met the love of her life. He was an active duty soldier from Minnesota on his way to war in Europe. Not telling him she was only seventeen, they corresponded four years. He wrote wonderful love letter. Upon his return they married and she left behind family, friends and the excitement of New York City for rural Minnesota.

Her eldest niece, Shell, just age seven at the time, tells the story of their arrival. “He was so handsome, she was so beautiful, so sophisticated, so well dressed, high heels, such lovely hair and perfect make-up. And wow, could she dance!” They were like celebrities to her.

Learning to love Minnesota she continued to enjoy dancing and music. She now played cards and bingo, bowled, the casinos, her small flower garden, watching the birds and especially loved fishing for sunfish. Who can forget her pleasure at telling simple silly jokes- “hold the chicken and make it Pea!”

She also loved her family deeply.

Preceded in death by her loving husband Elmer (Al), her parents, five sisters and one brother.

Survived by daughters Vera Wagner (David J) Greer, S.C.; Sonja Hanson, Monona, WI; Karen Solem (Steve Norve) St Paul, MN; Tami Thurmer (Frank Sr.) White Bear Lake, MN; 8 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 2 great great  grandchildren.

She will be sadly missed.

A special Thank You to the staff of Cerenity Long Term Senior Care, where she resided for the past year.

A Celebration of Life has been planned for April 23, 2022.

THOSE WHO WE LOVE WILL NEVER LEAVE US

THEY WILL STAY FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS