Susan Hanson

Loving mother, grandmother and friend to many, artist, teacher and humanitarian, Susan “Suzi” Jo Hanson of Barrington Hills died Tuesday, March 8, 2016 in Barrington Hills. She was born February 28, 1947 to Robert and Arlene (nee Ledenbach) Hanson in Stoughton, Wisconsin.

Suzi is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, John Palumbo; her children, Christofer (Sheila) Palumbo, Alexander (Toni) Palumbo, and Erik Palumbo; her grandchildren, Nyla and Barrett Palumbo; her parents, Robert and Arlene Hanson; her brother, Peter (Kim) Hanson; her nephew, Ryan and her niece, Katelyn Hanson. She is predeceased by her sister, Kristi Hanson (Mark Donham)

Suzi was raised on Chicago’s north side and was inspired by her father, an acclaimed professional artist and her creative mentor. She was drawn to follow in the arts as well and she showed remarkable artistic talent at an early age. As a graduate of the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, she continued her studies at various institutions throughout her life, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Scottsdale Artist School and the Fechin Institute, among others. She built a successful and prolific career in the arts, creating a wide variety of artwork during her lifetime. She also taught art in the Barrington school district and the Kaleidoscope School of Fine Arts.

Suzi’s accomplishments as a fine artist include notable works such as multiple public and commercial murals that continue to educate, inspire and motivate viewers. These included Barrington Hills Country Club, Barrington Early Learning Center and a massive 1,500 square foot mural at the Bultasa Temple in Chicago. Additionally, she has created numerous residential scenic and thematic murals that decorate interiors of fine homes in many states. She has illustrated three children’s books that remain in publication as well as a cover of a novel. Her individual works of art include commissioned portraits, studies of the Masters and personal selected subject renderings are recognized in the art community as collectable and valuable. Her other artistic endeavors included works of pottery, wood carving, bronze sculptures and jewelry and other media.

Her sense of community included board membership of the Woodstock Opera House, Riding Club of Barrington Hills, Cowboy Dreams, a therapeutic riding organization for handicapped children, member of Questers, the Natural History Society and the Garden Club of Barrington.

She particularly enjoyed many trips including camping, skiing, hiking, riding, scuba diving, canoeing and rafting in Alaska, Canada, and the U.S. She enjoyed several trips to Europe including her beloved Norway to connect with her family with whom she remained close. Suzi has had a lifelong love of nature and animals and cherished her rescued horses, dogs and cats.

Visitation will be held at 11:00am until time of funeral Mass at 12:00pm, Saturday, March 19, 2016 at St Anne’s Church, 120 N Ela St, Barrington. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery in Barrington will take place at a later date.

Per Susan's request, please omit all flowers. In lieu of flowers, tax deductible donations may be made to Bellarmine Jesuit Retreat House, attn: Suzi’s Memorial Garden, 420 W County Line Rd. Barrington, IL. 60010 or online at http://jesuitretreat.org/make-a-gift/.