Beth Ann Bourg Hansen

Beth Ann Bourg Hansen passed away suddenly at her home on March 4, 2024, in Long Beach, Mississippi, at the age of 81. She was born on March 25, 1942, in New Orleans, Louisiana.   

Beth was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Daniel Thomas Hansen Sr.; her children, Daniel "Danny" Thomas Hansen Jr., Jeffrey “Jeff” Stephen Hansen (Dori), Dustin “Dusty” Bourg Hansen (Mandy), and Holli Elizabeth Hansen Freeman (Eric); as well as her grandchildren, Stephen Hansen (Marla), Anna Hansen French (Kenny), Zachary Hansen, Kaleigh Hansen, Madeline Hansen, Colton Hansen, Cooper Freeman; great grandchildren, Carter Hansen, Clark Hansen, Claire Hansen, and Zane Hansen; brother, James Patrick Doherty, Jr. (Betty); sister, Denise Bourg Slotoroff (Jon); and sister-in-law, Denise Bourg (Butch).

Beth met the love of her life in the 4^th grade classroom at St. Thomas School when Danny pulled on her hair. Their bond was instant and their marriage on July 1, 1962, was imminent from that first encounter.   

Beth was preceded in death by her beloved twins, Matthew and Mark; her mother, Aline Lyman Doherty, namesake of the Long Beach Aline Doherty Citizen of the Year Award established in 1996; her stepfather, James “Dusty” Patrick Doherty; her father, Hector L. Bourg, Sr.; and her brother, Hector L. "Butch" Bourg Jr.

Beth, known affectionately as "Nonni" by her grandchildren, was an amateur genealogist who dedicated her time to tracing her family roots across many, many generations. She was a pillar in researching and preserving the history of Long Beach.  She was the President of the Long Beach Historical Society until her passing.   She was known for spending countless hours writing and refining the newsletters.  Donald Dana, past President of the Long Beach Historical Society, named the Historical Society facility on Klondyke Road as the "Beth Hansen History House” several years ago.  Beth also thoroughly enjoyed backyard bird watching and stargazing.

Beth was a fixture in Long Beach, owning a craft store, The Crafty Hand, on Jeff Davis Avenue in the 1970s. After raising her four children, she later worked for Keesler Federal Credit Union until her retirement as a Loan Officer in 2004.   Beth was involved in the Long Beach Carnival Association for 17 years.  She was also a past member of both the Long Beach Garden Club and Gulfport Junior Woman’s Club.

Beth received her education from St. Thomas School, Long Beach High School, and the University of Southern Mississippi. Beth was in the first graduating class of Long Beach High School (Class of 60) in its current Cleveland Road location.   She worshipped at St. Thomas Catholic Church for over 70 years. She was a member of the church choir for many years singing alongside her mother, brother-in-law (Billy Hansen), and father-in-law (William A. Hansen, Sr.).

Visitation will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be in Long Beach City Cemetery. A reception in her honor will be held at the Parish Life Center following the graveside service. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15^th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the family of Beth Bourg Hansen.

Beth will be dearly missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love, dedication, and passion for preserving history will live on in the hearts of those she touched.