Obituary of Betty Wagner Hansen

Betty “Betsy” Wagner Hansen, 71, passed Wednesday, May 12, 2021, on her birthday. She was born to Betty Ruth and Alton Arthur Hansen Sr. on May 12, 1950, at the Nix Medical Center on the Riverwalk in San Antonio. Betsy was a graduate of Churchill High School in 1968, with the honor of being head varsity cheerleader and voted most beautiful by her class. She earned a B.A. in History and Spanish from the University of Texas at Austin in 1972 and later received her secondary teaching certificate in Spanish and History from UT San Antonio. She had a variety of interesting careers during her life, including real estate broker associate, administrative assistant to a Bexar County judge, membership director at Woodlake Country Club, and office staff at the family business, Swing Machinery & Equipment Co. Inc. Betsy also served as a member of San Antonio Conservation Society for many years. Per the Fiesta tradition, she often wore flowers in her hair during the two-week festival and throughout the year. Betsy was an avid traveler, making trips across Mexico, Peru, Thailand, Hong Kong, Europe, Canada, Bermuda, The Bahamas, and domestically to resorts in Aspen, Jackson Hole, St. Thomas, and Hawaii. She also spent a high school summer semester in Monterrey, Mexico. Betsy played parts in movies shot in her hometown and various venues across Texas and danced at the Armadillo World Headquarters in Austin. A lifelong flair for fashion and art extended to collecting exquisite hand-made clothing, pottery, tapestry, and sculptures during her travels. She also enjoyed sculpting and firing pottery and experimenting with black and white and color photography. Other passions included caring for the variety of animals she adopted over the years, including cats, dogs – particularly her favorite named Clementine - as well as enjoying fine dining, especially gourmet Mexican and Asian cuisine. Ms. Hansen was preceded in death by her parents. She was the sister to: Alton Arthur Hansen Jr. (Sheila), Virginia Ruth Hansen Robins (Edward), and Helen Hansen Clary; aunt to 10 nieces, Wendy Wagner Hansen Middleton (Kevin), Holly Harbour Hansen-Thomas (William Thomas), Emily Lara Robins Blunt (Robert), Amy Ruth Robins Dempsey (Patrick), Sarah Rose Robins Zdeb (Daniel), Alison Robins Hansen (Michael Strong), Brooke Lindner Hansen (Roeland Nieuwenhuis), Claire Carter Hansen (Chris Ennis), Darcy Lovell Hansen Bachman (Justin), Hayley Hansen Clary; one nephew, Evan Martin Clary; and numerous great-nieces and nephews. Her greatest joy was being a second mother to many -- especially the quadruplets Alison, Brooke, Claire, and Darcy -- and she took an active role in their school and extracurricular activities. She also taught them about fashion, art, and other cultural interests. Betsy loved giving presents, often in advance of one’s birthday and had a very empathetic heart. The family would like to thank the staff at the Silverado Southlake for the excellent care over the last three years. In addition, Alice Hall from the White's Chapel Care & Support team was a tremendous comfort, providing Betsy with regular visits, exceptional kindness, and treats. A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 PM on Thursday, May 27, 2021, in Walton Chapel at White’s Chapel United Methodist Church, Southlake, Texas 76092. Rev. Judy Hunt officiating. Interment at the White’s Chapel Columbarium. Please wear your favorite festive, bright-colored apparel in honor of Betsy for those who plan to attend. Memorials may be directed to the White’s Chapel United Methodist Church Care & Support Ministries.