Diane Elliott Hansen, 93, Potsdam

POTSDAM - Diane Elliott Hansen passed away peacefully at Maplewood Nursing Home on January 8th, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family.  She was 93 years old.  The daughter of Basil W. Elliott and Burnetta Sealy Elliott, she was born on June 21, 1931, in Ogdensburg, NY. A lifelong resident of Potsdam, she graduated from Potsdam High School in 1949. She earned a Bachelor's degree from Cornell University in 1953, and spent a year studying at Katherine Gibbs Business School for Women in New York City before returning to her hometown.

While working for the family business, the Elliott Hardwood Company, she was introduced to the love of her life, Leroy “Whitey” Hansen. She often shared the story of how, after a ski trip with mutual friends, she intentionally left her mittens in his car so he would need to see her again. The connection was instantaneous. They married on November 22, 1958, and were inseparable for the next 66 years of marriage, creating a loving home to raise her son, Steven and daughter, Ellen. 

While her children were school aged, she earned her teaching certification and then taught typing and business courses at Potsdam High School for over 20 years, also serving as the school yearbook advisor. An active member of the Potsdam community, she generously donated her time, organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail to the Canton-Potsdam Hospital’s gift shop and blood drives, Trinity Episcopal Church, and the Girl Scouts, where dozens of boxes of Girl Scout cookies were annually stacked on her dining room table to be sorted. 

Diane was an avid golfer and a member of the Potsdam Town and Country Club for over 80 years. A fierce but humble competitor, she captured the Women’s Club Championship a record 26 times. Despite all her success on the course, she always valued her friendships at the club over her trophies.

Diane was a kind and gentle woman. She cherished her many friends and will be missed by all who knew her. However, the most important thing in her life was her family. She was a devoted wife, a proud mother and mother-in-law, and a doting grandmother. Diane put compassion and joy into the smallest things, from her smile and hugs to baking Nana’s famous “Forbidden Cookies” which never lasted until the intended dessert time at family gatherings. 
Diane is survived by her loving husband, Leroy; her son, Steven Hansen (Amanda) and her daughter, Ellen van Haasteren (Chris). She also leaves behind two grandsons, Kees (Kaitlin) and Corrie van Haasteren. She was predeceased by her brother, Richard Elliott. 

Diane spent the last three and a half years at Maplewood Nursing Home. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at the nursing home for their professionalism, kindness, and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Helping Hands, Hannawa Falls, NY or the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Donaldson-Seymour Funeral Home, where friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences online at www.donaldsonseymour.com.