MOUNT VERNON - Nancy Jean Hanson, 50, of Mount Vernon entered into the arms of Jesus Christ on Aug. 8, 2005, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Thayer Unit, in Waterville, surrounded by her family. She died peacefully from complications of breast cancer. She was born on Nov. 4, 1954, in Lynnfield, Mass., the daughter of Adriana and Eugene Clark. In 1972, Nancy graduated from high school in Winchester, Mass. She was the recipient of the John Hancock Award as top secretarial graduate. On June 17, 1972, Nancy married Dana Hanson in Winchester. From 1977 to 1981, Nancy was enlisted in the Maine Army National Guard, one of the first 10 women to join the Guard. In 1980, she was an honor graduate of officer's candidate school, becoming a commissioned officer. She declined her commission to raise her family. Nancy worked for the Internal Revenue Service, retiring in 2003 after 20 years of service. For the past three years, Nancy worked part-time for David W. Benoit, chiropractor, in Manchester. She was very grateful to all the staff, who reached out to her in love and uplifted her spirits. Nancy helped develop the Mount Vernon Elementary School library. She volunteered at Dr. Shaw's Memorial Library and advocated the Feingold Auxiliary Diet to help children who were hyperactive get off medication. She was proud of each accomplishment. Nancy's home and family were her first loves. An active person, she had a love for gardening, reading, animals, kayaking, cross-country skiing, camping and dancing. Her seeds were sown at the Mount Vernon Baptist Church, but she grew into a tree at the United Methodist Church in Winthrop. Nancy and Dana spent her 50th birthday in Aruba. Later, Nancy was honored with a surprise birthday party, a special celebration with family and friends. Nancy's mother was born in the Netherlands, so Nancy made several visits to that country. Mrs. Hanson is survived by her beloved husband and friend, Dana; a son, Douglas Hanson; daughters Heather Roberts and her husband, Brett, and Carol Hanson and granddaughter Meranda Roberts, all of Mount Vernon; her sisters, Joyce Yourga of Amherst, Mass., and Gayle Kirkwood of Pittsburgh, Pa.; a brother, David Clark of Rockville, Md.; and several nephews. Nancy was predeceased by her parents. Nancy had an unlimited source of hope and courage. Her profound faith sustained her during her breast cancer journey and she found that perfect peace which surpasses all understanding. Because of her diagnosis, Nancy reached out to her fellow 'sisters' with breast cancer, having a keen sense of just when to make a telephone call or send a handwritten note when it was needed most. She was an inspiration to many, especially the gals with whom she shared a special kinship whom she had met through the Living With Breast Cancer group: Jan, Ann, Mary, Vonda, Jean, Pat and Judy. They met frequently at Panera Bread, spending wonderful evenings of sharing and laughter. She will be sadly missed, but these gals are richer because of her love and devoted friendship. When health permitted, Nancy participated in several Relay for Life events in Augusta. Among her many attributes, Nancy will be lovingly remembered for her sense of humor, her compassion, generosity, kindness, her love for life and her shining spirit. Relatives and friends may visit 5-7 p.m. Saturday at Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop. A celebration of her life will be held at 4 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Winthrop United Methodist Church. The Rev. Heidi Chamberland will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Cancer Society, 1 Main St., Topsham 04086 -- (800) 227-2345 -- would be appreciated.