Barbara Elizabeth Hansen, a long-time resident of Iowa City and co-founder of the pediatric cuddlers’ program at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, passed away Monday, March 20, 2023, surrounded by family.

Barb was born Jan. 12, 1934, to Dwight and Geraldine Mound (both deceased) in Cincinnati, OH. Her father worked in sales for Armstrong Flooring, and the family moved frequently. They spent six years in New Orleans, LA, where she witnessed the last Mardi Gras celebration before World War II and the first after the war was over. The Mounds then settled in Webster Groves, MO, where Barb graduated from high school in 1951.

Known throughout her life for doing everything with love and intensity, Barb threw herself into her studies at Iowa State University. She was initiated into Omicron Nu and Phi Upsilon Omicron (home economics honor societies) and Phi Kappa Phi (national scholastic honor society). As a senior, she was selected by the faculty to attend Merrill Palmer School in Detroit, MI. She graduated from Iowa State in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science in Child Development.

Her experience in Detroit inspired her to accept the job of re-opening and serving as the director and head teacher for the preschool at Emerson House, one of three settlement houses comprising the Chicago Commons Association. She successfully reinvigorated the program, which served children from 14 nationalities in low-income neighborhoods on Chicago’s near west side.

On July 20, 1957, Barb’s future was forever changed when she married the love of her life, Richard (Dick) Hansen. Their love story began at Iowa State and their marriage was nurtured by their shared values, faith, love and, of course, dancing. Family was at the heart of Barbara’s existence and she loved beyond words being a mother to her daughter, Kris, and her sons, Steve and Mark. The family settled in Iowa City, IA, in 1962.

Barb had a generous heart and gave her time and resources every way she could. She tutored kindergarten students and taught church school at First United Methodist Church. She served as president of the parent teachers associations at Hoover Elementary School and Southeast Junior High. She was the local UNICEF chairman and a member of the local United Nations board for three years. She was active in the alumni chapter of her sorority, Pi Beta Phi, and a member of PEO for more then 50 years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Iowa City and the Sanibel Island United Church of Christ.

She began volunteering in the maternity ward at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in 1980. Her involvement deepened dramatically in 1985, when she co-founded the pediatric cuddlers’ program, designed to provide high-risk infants with the attention and interaction that helps them thrive. Barb built the program up to 30 volunteers and was so effective that she was invited to participate in medical rounds. The program won the State of Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award in 1992 and Barb herself won the award in 2000.

Barb was also an important partner and support for Dick and his firm, Hansen Lind Meyer, PA, which became known for health care architecture; at its peak it had offices in six cities. She hosted many events at their home, welcoming visitors with a bright smile. She and Dick enjoyed the many artistic programs at the University of Iowa.

Barb believed deeply in the value of education and the opportunities it offered. She established two lecture series, one each at Iowa State and the University of Iowa, supporting and empowering students. This program thrives today and is impacting students in meaningful ways.

Barb and Dick first visited Sanibel Island, FL, in 1978 and bought a condo there in 1982. With her typical intensity, Barb’s fascination with sea shells quickly blossomed into a passion. She was one of the original four Founding Volunteers for the National Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, donating her time even before it opened in 1995. She began entering the Sanibel International Shell Fair and Show in 1999, earning the Judges’ Special Award in 2007 and 2011, the Best of the Blues in 2005, and an additional five blue and four red ribbons.

Dick and Barb traveled extensively in their retirement across both the United States and Europe. Their trips included two African safaris and a tour to the Holy Lands led by their minister. They spent summers and the Christmas holidays in Iowa City, visiting family and friends.

While Barb’s life has come to a close, her legacy lives on through her family and the educational and volunteer programs she established and nurtured.

In addition to her husband, Barb is survived by three children and seven grandchildren: Kristen (Brian, Nathan Gallagher) of Oak Park, IL; Steven (Angela; David, Matthew, Adalette) of Rockville, MD; and Mark (Jennifer; Katherine, Michael) of Palatine, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Diane Doner and Marilyn Scott.