Carmen Kay Hansen

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Carmen Kay Hansen, age 79, entered the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in heaven on April 11, 2023—a glorious reality we can’t fully comprehend. We miss her dearly, yet we do not grieve without hope, for she believed in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and has eternal life in Him.

She was born December 2, 1943, in Dallas, Texas, to Leon and Carmen Mathis. Kay was the baby of the family. Each year as a school age child, she memorized verses so she could go to Bible Memory camp, where she formed deep friendships with other campers, strengthened her relationship with Jesus, and had the time of her life.

Kay came from a long family lineage of Christians. Her grandfather ran the Union Gospel Mission of Dallas. At age 12, she committed her life to Jesus at a Billy Graham Evangelistic Crusade.

Her father was a real estate investor, and on weekends Kay drove around town with her dad to inspect warehouses around the Dallas skyline. Consequently, a love for investing in real estate was born.

Kay enjoyed attending Sunset High School, home of the Bisons. She was a Spanish major at the University of North Texas, and after graduation taught high school Spanish. She met her future husband, David Hansen, at Schofield Memorial Church while David was attending Dallas Theological Seminary. They were married in 1967, and the couple moved to Bellingham, Washington, where David pastored Silver Beach Community Church, and Kay served as a pastor’s wife for the next 11 years.

In 1968, Kay became a broker at Lakeway Realty. She held an active real estate license for 55 years. She was a faithful partner with her husband in owning Lakeway Realty and Fairhaven Realty.

Throughout her entire adult life, Kay was faithful to the Lord's work and enjoyed leading people to Christ. She felt a loving responsibility to serve the Lord and share her faith with others. David and Kay have been active members of Geneva Community Church, now Northlake Community Church, for decades. They have been passionate supporters of youth ministry, especially the Firs, Camp Firwood, Campus Crusade for Christ, Young Life, and Child Evangelism Fellowship. She loved hosting Firwood and Northlake youth at her lake house with food, boats, and campfires. For years, they have been devoted to helping Samaritan’s Purse International Relief organization in their humanitarian work. Kay quietly helped others in need, especially those with health-related issues. She and David began the Lakeway Foundation, which is dedicated to helping people with medical needs. She also supported missionaries from around the world.

Kay and David traveled often, including trips to Israel, Europe, and many trips to Hawaii. An avid antique collector, she loved traveling to antique shows to find Native American and New England artifacts, and anything from Texas. She considered opening an antique business named Village Antiques in Bellingham and even had business cards printed, but realized she didn’t want to part with any of her precious artifacts, so she kept her focus on collecting.

Kay was lovingly devoted to her only child, Jonathan. She always took an interest in his life and talked with him often. He was the apple of her eye, and she was so proud of the direction of his life in following Jesus. She faithfully took him as a child to Awana, youth groups, and Camp Firwood. In turn, she was happy to see him ministering to young people at Camp Firwood and helping them find faith in Christ.

She was a loving Nana to her two wonderful grandsons, Ben and Sam, praying for them often and encouraging them in their faith. She made every holiday special for her grandsons.

She doted over her dogs, Puddles, Red, Rug, Clutch, and her grandsons’ dog, Crash. She rarely met a dog she didn’t like, and she especially loved dog kisses on her cheek.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved older sister, Martha. She is survived by her loving husband, David; son Jon; grandsons Ben and Sam; sister-in-law Norma (Greg); brother-in-law, Walter; niece Sherstin (Louis); nephew Matt (Lisa); and many loving relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Northlake Community Church on Friday, April 21, 2023, at 11 a.m. with a reception directly following. A graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. at Bayview Cemetery.

In remembrance of Kay Hansen’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made in her honor to the Camp Firwood scholarship fund.

Watch Kay’s memorial service here: https://www.youtube.com/live/FzGl2Zk3m0M?feature=share