Judy Mae Hansen

Judy Mae Hansen, 66, of Mt. Vernon, IA, passed away on February 3, 2025, in the comfort of her home. Services will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Fry Funeral Home in Tipton, starting with visitation from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by her funeral service at 11:00 AM. Judy will then be laid to rest at Mason-Wallick Cemetery in Cedar Bluff, IA. Memorials may be designated to the Judy Hansen family. Online condolences, photos, and fond memories of Judy are appreciated and may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.

Jack Thomas Crowley and Patricia Ann (Ring) Crowley welcomed their daughter, Judy Mae, into the world on October 24, 1958, in Davenport, IA. Judy had six siblings: Patricia, Linda, Shelley, Jack, John, Tom, and Carl. They lived in Blue Grass and Ridge View until 1969when they moved to their family farm in Cedar Bluff. Judy attended school in Tipton and graduated from Tipton High School in 1977.

Judy was determined to make a difference in the lives of others. She attended and graduated from both Iowa Wesleyan College and the University of Iowa with a nursing degree. Judy began her career in health care at the Mount Vernon Nursing Home. As her talents gained recognition, she turned her full attention to cancer research. Judy moved to Virginia for two years, collaborating with pharmaceutical companies on cancer research. She worked for PRA International for 10 years and PUMA for 8 years, eventually becoming an independent researcher and valued consultant around the world.

Judy’s greatest achievement was bringing her three wonderful children into this world: Diana, Daniel, and Mattie. They were her pride and joy, and she loved them with every fiber of her being. She also cherished her step-children, Erica, Keith, and Dillon, as her own. Judy loved to sew, garden, and cook. She sewed blankets and quilts, maintained a well-manicured yard with beautiful flowers, particularly lavender, and grew a thriving garden. Her garden produced the best canned pickles, jam, salsa, tomatoes, and green beans. Her homemade biscuits and gravy were incredible, but her homemade pierogis, especially on Christmas morning, were her kids' favorite.

Judy was generous to friends, family, and her community. She had a smile that could warm a room and a laugh that was contagious. Despite her high energy and go-getter spirit, she was gentle, kind-hearted, and lived her life with an insatiable love for her children.

Judy leaves behind her loving children, Mattie Hansen, Daniel (Trish) Huffman, Diana Crowley, Erica Hansen, Keith Hansen, and Dillon Hansen; her mother, Patricia Crowley; sisters, Linda Achenbaugh, Shelly Neal, and Patricia Bielema; brothers, Tom Crowley, Carl Crowley, John Crowley, and Jack (Bob) Crowley; and her cherished grandchildren, Dakota, Kael, Wilder, Fairen, Jaycee, Ashton, Jayden, Eathan, Hayden, Charlotte, Mic, Jack, Clay, Oliver, and Roland; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Judy now joins her father, Jack Crowley; best friend and sister-in-law, Carolyn Crowley; step-son, Keith Hansen; brother-in-law, Alex Achenbaugh; and grandparents, Thomas and Breezie Crowley, and Axle and Laura Ring.