Noreen (Munford) Hanson

SACO – Noreen (Munford) Hanson, 87, a lifelong resident of Saco, passed away peacefully at St. Andre Health Care Facility on Dec. 31, 2025, following a brief illness.

Born on March 30, 1938, she was the daughter of Edwin and Vera (Rogers) Munford. A proud graduate of Thornton Academy, Noreen dedicated much of her life to her home and family, serving as a devoted caretaker for her parents for many years. She was a faithful member of the Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Saco.

Noreen loved to karaoke and dance and would occasionally go out with friends to various clubs to sing and dance; it was during one such evening at the Westbrook American Legion that she met her permanent dance partner, Don Hanson, whom she married soon after.

Noreen was a sports enthusiast. A devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots, Noreen was known for her “colorful” and passionate commentary, often coaching from her living room with enough intensity to rival the pros.

In her earlier years, Noreen was an accomplished candlepin bowler and played in the local leagues, once setting a remarkable record high score of 164.

Her true passion was golf, where Noreen excelled in the Southern Maine Women’s Golf Association in the A1 division. She was a former winner of the Maine State Senior Women’s Amateur Classic and achieved the rare feat of three career holes-in-one. She was a long-time member of the Deep Brook Golf Club, where her love for the game was only surpassed by the “epic” stories and beverages shared with friends at the 19th hole.

Noreen was a woman of great character who will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Don; her sisters, Faye Bunker and Darlene Munford; and her brothers, Edwin Munford Jr. and Ben Munford.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Betty Munford and ten nieces and nephews, Dennis (Michelle) Bunker, Steve (Lisa) Bunker, Bruce (Deb) Bunker, Rhonda (Dave) Mobley, Linda (Robert) Carey, Douglas (Deb) Munford, Troy Munford, Darren (Melissa) Munford, Darlene (Michael) Yon, Debra (Eric) Battista. She is also survived by friend and caregiver, Elaine Fournier.

Friends and family may call on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Dennett, Craig and Pate Funeral Home, 365 Main St, Saco. An hour of visitation will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. on Wednesday Jan. 7, 2025. A funeral service will immediately follow at 11 a.m. Burial following service at Laurel Hill Cemetery, 293 Beach Street, Saco.

The family and friends would like to thank St. Andres Healthcare Facility for their excellent care for Noreen, while she was there.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to:

Maine Golf Scholarship

2 Old County Road Ext.

Freeport, ME 04032