[Nfbf-l] Remembering Judy Hansen.

[Jody W. Ianuzzi]

Remembering Judith Hansen:

Judith Margaret Hansen, of Orlando, went to be with the Lord in Heaven on
Wednesday, September 7th.  Judie graduated from Braintree High School in
1962, and from Boston University in 1967 with degrees in Music and French.
Judie was blind from infancy, thus attended Perkins School for the Blind as
a young child.  She learned how to read and write Braille, and soon after
learned to play the piano all at a very young age.  She relocated to Florida
in the early 1970s to be near her parents, and eventually took a job in
Pensacola with Rehab Services where she met her late husband, and fellow
musician Michael Hansen in 1977.  They were married in June of 1979 and had
a son, Erik Hansen, in June of 1980.   Judie stayed home to raise her son,
while also playing in a band, The Blue Diamonds, on the weekends with
Michael.   Judie served as President of the National Federation of the Blind
Florida Chapter from 1977 - 1985, and was an integral part in changing the
laws for guide dogs/service dogs to be allowed in all public places.   Judie
was the organist at Summit Park United Methodist Church of Pensacola from
1986 - 1998, and volunteered with the Independence for the Blind of
Pensacola throughout her years in Pensacola.  Judie moved to Orlando in 2003
after the passing of her husband Michael.  She loved her church at First
United Methodist of Orlando, treasured playing music with the Memories Band,
enjoyed knitting with two social groups in Orlando, and loved spending time
with her son and daughter-in-law, Erik and Angie Hansen who also lived in
Orlando.  Her guide dog Orbit was her loving companion, and will now be
living with Erik and Angie in Pensacola.  Judie is preceded in death by her
husband Michael Hansen, her parents Robert and Eleanor Welch, and her
brother Robert Welch, Jr.  Judie is survived by her son, Erik Todd Hansen,
daughter-in-law Angie Hansen, brother Richard K. Welch, his wife Teresa and
their children Michael, Deborah, Pamela and Paula.   Friends are invited to
visit and to remember, Monday Sept. 12th at 10am at First United Methodist
Church of Orlando on E. Jackson St.  Donations can be made in her name to
the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation of Bloomfield, CT.   Donations contact # is
(860) 243-5200. 

 Friends are invited to the burial which will be held at Barrancas National
Cemetery at  10:15am on Friday September 16th.   (unless time slot
unavailable)