Silvia Elena (Fisher) Hanson

Silvia Elena Hanson, née Fisher, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, generosity, and grace that touched the lives of all who knew her. Silvia was born in 1932 in Panama City, Republic of Panama, where her journey began and her remarkable spirit first shone.

Throughout her life, Silvia was known for her unwavering commitment to education and her dedication to family and friends. She immigrated to the United States, winning a scholarship to study Education in the United States in 1954 at St. Cloud Teachers College (now known as St. Cloud State University) as one of the earliest foreign exchange students on campus. She eventually earned her Master's Degree in Education from St. Thomas University in St. Paul, MN.

Silvia married fellow St. Cloud student John G. Ostby (who also went on to become a public school teacher) in 1955, and together they built a fun-loving home filled with love, laughter, and compassion. Silvia was a devoted mother to Leah, Lori, Elena, Frank, and Marissa. Her role as a parent was marked by the strength of a mama bear protecting her cubs, always keeping them in line. She loved fiercely and was a loyal and devoted friend who modeled the expression “charity begins at home.”

Later in life, Silvia met and married the late Howard E. Hanson and saw the world through their extensive travel and love of cruises.

Silvia’s professional life was equally distinguished. She worked as an educator at all levels. She taught elementary school, middle school and high school students, and adult college Spanish classes, earning the respect of colleagues for her hard work, integrity, and commitment to the teaching profession with the bulk of her career spent educating fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders in the Minneapolis Public School District. Her passion for music, dancing, lifelong learning, and Zumba lessons upon her retirement in Surprise, AZ, enriched both her own life and those of the people around her.

Silvia leaves behind a cherished group of family and friends, including her beloved Children, Lori (Fred) Hanish, Hon. Elena Ostby, Frank (partner Deborah Mellum) Ostby, Marissa (Jay) Henthorne; Grandchildren, Reagan Hanish, Ashlyn Hanish, Nicholas Ostby, Leah (Billy) Lutkat, Jared (Beth) Ostby, Regina (James) Newton, Raquel (Billy) Roehl, Taylor (Logan) Keehr, Jake Henthorne, Callie Henthorne; and nine great grandchildren, including most recent namesake, Sylvie; Sister Tilsa Poscher and family, and numerous nieces and nephews, including those still living in Panama; Stepsons Brad (John), Mark (Michelle), and Paul (Dr. Steve Riendl) Hanson; honorary son, Eric Barahona Lao, and family; and honorary daughters, Sue (Tom) Juneau and Patty Hanson. Her memory will be honored and kept alive by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

To honor Silvia’s wishes no memorial service will be held. Instead, there will be an intimate family gathering at a later date. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Silvia’s extraordinary life and share stories of her enduring impact on this website. If you truly wish to honor Silvia’s memory and you can read this tribute, just thank your favorite teacher. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family or any scholarship fund of your choice, reflecting Silvia’s lifelong commitment to education.

Silvia Elena Hanson will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her compassion, strength, and the love she gave so freely. May she rest in peace.