Sandra A. "Sandee" Hanson, of Helena, MT, passed away at home on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022 – her 77th birthday – with her husband holding her hand and their poodle Charlie on her lap. She had been diagnosed with cerebral amyloid angiopathy in the spring of 2020.  Sandra McIntosh was born in Watertown, New York. She moved to eastern Montana with her family when she was in 7th grade, and met her future husband, Grant Hanson, in Sidney. They married on Jan. 16, 1965 and had two children, Mark and Christine.

Sandee advocated for people with developmental disabilities, working for Easter Seals in Great Falls, Helena Industries and as a paraprofessional in Helena schools. She enjoyed boating, fishing and camping and cheering for Carroll College sports teams. She looked forward to spending her Saturdays in the fall attending Carroll football games – with her cowbell in hand.

She followed her grandchildren's activities and was an amazing cook and baker. (Don't get us started on her huckleberry cheesecake.)

Sandee was predeceased by her father, William McIntosh, her sister Jacquie Hartmann of Princeton, Minnesota, her son Mark Hanson of East Helena and her son-in-law Mike Altenhofen of Shoreview, Minn. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Grant Hanson, her daughter Christine Altenhofen-Sonner (Luke Sonner) of Shoreview, Minn.,, daughter-in-law Amy Hanson of East Helena; grandchildren Kaitlin Wahl (Tyler Wahl), Parker Hanson, Grant Altenhofen and Liam Sonner. Her great-granddaughter, Emersyn Beth Wahl, was born on Sept. 5, 2022.

Sandee is also survived by her brothers Mike McIntosh of Austin, Texas; Ed McIntosh of Billings, Jeff McIntosh of Great Falls, and their families.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Sept. 23 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Helena.