Memorial
Christine Cowen Hanson passed away Monday 18 July at Cedar Rapids Mercy Hospice House with her loving husband after a nine-year battle with melanoma cancer that metastasized to her brain. She will be cremated, and a family gathering will be held in Maine at a later date. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Christine was born in Portsmouth, VA to Charles and Margaret (Wilson) Cowen. Growing up in a career Navy family, she lived in multiple states, Morocco, and Germany. East Greenwich, RI HS 1972 grad, Whidden Memorial School of Nursing (Everett, MA) 1976 grad. Christine spent her 37yr career as an operating room nurse in multiple states.
Her favorite moments were with family and friends. She did not have children of her own, but filled her life with exchange students, & children.
Christine was proceeded in death by her mother Margaret Jean. She is survived by her loving husband (care giver and best friend) of 19 years Craig; her father Charles E Cowen; sisters Carolyn Chase (Carl Geraci), Janice (Bill) MacDonald, Gail (Duncan) Mellor.
Thank you to the University of Iowa Holden Cancer Center and Dr Mo for their commitment to advancing treatments through clinical trials. Christine participated in four trials at the University. When conventional treatments were no longer an option, Christine agreed to a final drug trial which extended her life from a few weeks to over a year. Christine knew the last trial wouldn’t save her, but she agreed to participate because of her passion for advancing science. In lieu of flowers or donations, please wear sunscreen and commit to dermatology checks. Vaccines save lives.