Karen Hansen

Karen Christofferson Hansen, 79, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

She was born on February 21, 1946, in Lehi, Utah, to Noy Leo Christofferson and Elma Leone Wootton Christofferson. Karen was raised in Lehi and graduated from Lehi High School in 1964. That same year, she completed her Secretarial Studies at Utah Technical College.

From 1964 to 1969, Karen worked for the State of Utah, serving in several departments including the Tax Commission and the Board of Education in Salt Lake City, and later the Department of Highways in Orem. She stepped away from her career following the birth of her beloved daughter, Karina.

Karen married the love of her life, Larry James Hansen, in the Salt Lake Temple on June 25, 1965. This past June, they celebrated 60 wonderful years of marriage.

In 1973, Karen and Larry moved to New Hampshire when Larry accepted a position as a professor at the University of New Hampshire. Karen came to love the natural beauty of New England-especially being just 20 minutes from the ocean-though she never grew fond of the long, cold winters. In 2005, after Larry's retirement, they relocated to Santa Clara, Utah, in search of a warmer climate, where they have lived ever since.

Karen was passionate about learning. Over the course of 12 years, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of New Hampshire, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1993. While pursuing her studies, she also worked as the Humanities Secretary at the university. She was a member of both Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies, a testament to her dedication and academic excellence.

A gifted and lifelong artist, Karen wrote poetry for more than 50 years and expressed her creativity through calligraphy, painting, drawing, pottery, floral arranging, jewelry-making, and home decorating. She had a remarkable eye for color and design, and a deep understanding of human nature that enriched both her art and her relationships.

Karen's historically accurate calligraphy maps were included in the Pulitzer Prize-winning book A Midwife's Tale by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, published in 1990-a contribution she was deeply proud of.

Karen is survived by her devoted husband, Larry Hansen, and their daughter Karina Linn Fuller and son-in-law Lennard Fuller, whom she loved as a son. She cherished her four grandchildren-Gareth, Eliza, Liam, and Joy Fuller-who brought her endless pride and joy. They all reside in Mesa, Arizona.

She is also survived by her brother, Alan Christofferson, and his wife Bonnie of Lehi, Utah.

Karen was preceded in death by her brother Sherman Christofferson, her sister Connie Christofferson, and her parents, Noy and Elma Christofferson.

Karen will be remembered for her gentle spirit, creative brilliance, deep intellect, and unwavering love for her family. She leaves behind a legacy of beauty, wisdom, and grace.

There will be a viewing at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah starting at 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. with the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. The interment will follow the funeral service at the Santa Clara City Cemetery, Ancester Way, Santa Clara, Utah.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.

Friends and family are invited to sign Karen's online guest book at www.SpilsburyMortuary.com