PORTLAND – Sharon Hansen, 72, of Portland, Maine, passed away at Mercy Hospital, May 9, 2021, following a long illness.

She was born and raised in Portland, Maine, graduating from Portland High School and USM, achieving her master’s degree in communication.

Sharon was a free spirit in her youth and full of adventure traveling to California in the sixties as a young hippie. Returning to Maine she met a man from Denmark, started a relationship with him, and traveled to Denmark where they married and settled in Copenhagen.

Three and a half years later, she returned to the States with her two sons and finished her education. Initially, she worked with young children. She was hired by USM as an events coordinator in the Continuing Education Department where she worked for many years. She later worked as an activities coordinator in a senior assisted living facility.

Sharon was an extrovert with two great passions in life beyond her family: young children and seniors, both with whom she had a great affinity. Children and seniors lit up in her presence. Her other passion was Bob Dylan and his music. She often said that if they just had the opportunity to meet in person, she knew he would adore her.

She is survived by two sons, Michael and his wife Kimberly of Parker, Colorado, and Toby of Gorham, Maine. She is also survived by sisters, Gail Larsen of Westbrook, and Pamela Larsen of Portland, and a brother, Lars Larsen, and his wife, Susan of Gorham. She was predeceased by Her sister Kim, father, Emil Larsen, and mother, Elaine Larsen. Sharon is further survived by her four grandchildren (Seth and Jeremy, Elizabeth and Brandon) two nephews, and one niece.

Per Sharon’s wishes, there will be no public services, preferring a private family gathering.