Michaele Sharon (Finley) Hansen
August 7, 1934 – May 15, 2024
Michaele was born to Archie and Dagmar (Gudbranson) Finley in Bellingham. The family moved to the Birch Bay area in 1945, where they ran Finley’s Store. She graduated from Blaine High School in 1952 and from Bellingham Business College then married the love of her life, Rodney (Ron) Hansen. Their children are Jeff, Karen (deceased) and Eric Hansen. She was employed by the Bellingham School District and St. Joseph Hospital where she was a medical transcriptionist.
She and Ron enjoyed many years of traveling together in the U.S. and 31 other countries. They were boaters for many years and held countless family parties at their home on Lake Samish. They also enjoyed crosscountry skiing, dancing and entertaining friends and family. She loved babies, gardening, shopping and also enjoyed sewing, needlepoint and crossword puzzles. She was a long-time member of the Daughters of Norway.
She was considered the matriarch of her large family of siblings, children and grandchildren. Loved and respected by all, she served as a role model for others and demonstrated great strength during times of loss. Her memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved her and whose lives she touched. Instead of a funeral, her sons had a “Bon Voyage” party for her while she could still enjoy it. It was a loving, joyous and sad event that she enjoyed tremendously.
She is survived by sons Jeff (Susan) and Eric (Cindy, deceased), brother Scott Finley (Ande), sister Brooke Finley-Rieg (Joe Rieg), brother-in-law David Beatty and sister-in-law Nancy Finley. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband of 58 years, their daughter Karen (Hansen) Sundean, great-granddaughter Anna Brulotte, sister Marsha Beatty and brother Loren Finley.
The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to Kelly, Eden Hospice nurse, and Sound Home Care. They all provided professional and compassionate care, easing her transition during her last days. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Michaele’s name to Eden Hospice, Sound Home Care or the ALS Assn. A graveside service will be held in August.
